Chapter 09 - The Meaning of Family

The rest of the night was largely uneventful. Night Song returned not long after Grimm came back, having found out about evening meal. Given that the outpost was on a state of alert, the dining area was currently empty except for those who were not defenders--the others would have a chance to come and eat when relieved. We decided to make our way to the dining area, though it meant having to cross one of the footbridges to do so. I walked with Ewvin so that I could help him to overcome his fear of heights. Kurietta stayed close too, as she was none too fond of swinging footbridges herself. During our wanderings in the mountains many turns of the seasons ago, she had quite a time crossing a long rope-and-plank bridge over a river gorge high up in the mountains.

"At least you don't have to worry about falling a long ways down into a raging river this time," I teased her.

"Oh,frazzleberries! I'm not one of those fluff-tailed tree rats, Misty!" Kurietta complained.

"If I can fly on the back of one of the V'Aertii, you can walk across a foot bridge a little ways off the ground," I smirked.

"You did_what_???" She nearly shouted in astonishment.

"Five turns of the seasons ago, when I was trading up in the Northern Mountains, my old friend Shri'an took me up to her aerie because one of her hatchlings wasn't well. It turned out it was just something he ate that didn't agree too well with his insides," I explained.

"Shri'an...dang, I remember her! She's still around after all this time?" Kurietta asked not believing her ears.

"Of course. The V'Aertii are one of the Elder Races," I replied.

"You mean they're immortal, too?" Kurietta asked wide-eyed.

"Yep, just like yours truly," I said with a grin.

She put her hands over her ears and shook her head.

"Who'd ever thought I'd end up dancing with immortals?" Kurietta asked rhetorically to no one in particular.

We had our meal, and this time the food was a lot better than the last time we were here. Ewvin and Jansina were glad to have a good hot meal and a decent place to stay after spending many nights in the back of a small wagon. Even if it was in a strange building up in giant trees that are aware, surrounded by tall, immortal wolf people, and a skunk lady who had somehow come back from the dead after being gone for ten thousand turns of the seasons. How much stranger can life get, Ewvin mused to himself.

"Do you think we can fit in here, Ewvin?" Jansina asked her husband quietly.

"It might take a little to get used to, but we should be able to, dearest. These folk may be strange to us, but they seem decent enough. I'm sure we're no less strange to them, too," he replied.

"It's odd, but that girl, Dahmietra, seems to take this Mist Runner and his mate Red Moon as her parents," Jansina said.

"I guess so, though they said that her real parents gave her up to some religious place when she was only five, and those two have offered to give her a proper home and be a family for her. That seems mighty nice of them, actually, and they do seem to really care about her," Ewvin said.

"They do, don't they. What about the one she seems real fond of, Warri, I think his name is?" Jansina asked.

Ewvin thought for a bit while eating a few bites of his food.

"The way he seems to act towards the others, he might be just a young lad still...I don't know anything about how they age and such, but maybe he and the girl might be about the same age," Ewvin replied.

"I couldn't imagine being with someone so different, but then people are people, no matter what they look like on the outside I suppose," Jansina said.

Ewvin nodded his head in agreement, and then said, "But if these wolf-people are immortal, it's going to be hard on them eventually."

"What do you mean, dear?" Jansina asked.

Ewvin thought how best to put it, "Like us, she won't live forever, unless these folk have some magic that can extend life," he said softly.

"Oh, I didn't think of that," Jansina said with a bit of sadness in her voice, as she thought of what it would be like to watch someone you loved with all your heart of being grow old and die while you remained forever.

"That would be a tragedy worthy of the great poetess, Thalmina," Ewvin said.

"I didn't think a potter's son read such lofty plays," Jansina teased.

Ewvin smiled and said, "It was my aunt who encouraged me to read them...she had a collection of books and I would spend hours reading with her."

"Your family was very close, wasn't it?" Jansina asked.

"We may have had our disagreements, but we stuck together and helped one another," Ewvin replied.

"Just like us?" Jansina asked.

"Just like us," Ewvin answered and kissed his wife.

"Gee, Grimmster, they're a sweet couple, don'tcha think?" Kurietta asked.

Grimm looked over at Ewvin and Jansina in time to see them kiss, and then put his own arm around Kurietta.

"They certainly seem made for one another," he replied with a little grin.

"I wonder if they're going to have a boy or a girl kit," Kurietta thought aloud as she absentmindedly played with one of her braids.

"I don't know, though I hope this one makes it," Grimm said.

"Watcha mean?" Kurietta asked looking up to Grimm.

"They apparently lost their first born, and the trip to Cedar Knoll was difficult for Jansina with this one," Grimm said softly.

"Oh, my...the poor girl! That's gotta be rough for both of them," Kurietta said looking at the young couple and feeling sorry for them.

"I imagine so. Still, they seem determined to try again, and they're in a safer location now. Hopefully they will have a place to call their own before fall comes," Grimm said.

"That's not gonna be much longer, is it?" Kurietta asked.

"Just about the time her cubling comes, which is only a moon or so away," Grimm replied.

"They're gonna need things for their new home...anything we can do to help?"

Kurietta looked up into Grimm's eyes and he could see the concern in hers.

Grimm smiled and stroked Kurietta's luxuriously long and thick black and white fur on her head and said, "We'll see what we can do."

Kurietta buried her face into Grimm's fur, making a purring-like sound.

"This is worth all of the empty times," Grimm said lovingly in Kurietta's ear as he held her close.

"M-r-r-r-r, you know it, Grimmster!" Kurietta said happily.

Warri didn't say much while he and Dahmietra were sitting together across the table from Mist Runner and Red Moon during their meal. Dahmietra slipped her hand under the table and took a hold of Warri's hand. He started to pull away from her, but she held on tightly until he resigned to the fact that she wasn't going to let go. Although part of him wanted to be left alone, he also had a strong desire_not_ to be alone.

"Warri? Please, I...want to say something. Will you at least listen to me?" Dahmietra thought in her mind, hoping that some part of Warri's mind still wanted to form the mental connection that they've shared so many times.

"Warri??"

"I'm...here, Dahmi," Warri finally thought back.

"I'm worried about you, and I want you to know how much I care. I don't know what it was that you saw or felt that you had to do in that guy's head...it happened, and I'm still your friend no matter what. I...geez...I want to be more than just friends...if you would have me," Dahmietra thought to him.

Warri didn't know what to say right away along the mental link they shared.

"Warri, did you hear what I said?" Dahmietra asked in her thoughts.

"I heard. I...know you care and I appreciate it very much. I...I'm all mixed up about what happened--it was horrible! I got really angry and...I did something. A person can wash blood off of their hands...but how do I wash what I saw and did out of my head?"

Dahmietra could feel Warri's inner suffering in her mind and she wanted so much to make him feel better.

"Warri, listen to me...talk to Mist Runner, Foxfire, even Master Spirit Feather if you have to. I'm going to be with you the whole way, and I'm not going to leave you for any reason, okay? We're in this together, you and me," Dahmietra said in her thoughts to Warri.

There was another pause while Warri thought of what to say.

"Would you still want to be with me knowing this_?_"

Images of what Warri saw in Tah-Noor's mind flooded into Dahmietra's thoughts...including what Warri did to him. Dahmietra's face suddenly paled and she let out a loud gasp, holding her hands to the sides of her head.

"Dahmi! What's wrong, dear?" Red Moon cried out, reaching across the table for Dahmietra's hands.

Dahmi waved her off, and looked wide-eyed and open mouthed at Warri in shock. Warri dropped his ears and had a very painful look in his eyes. Before he could say anything, Dahmietra threw her arms around him and kissed him fiercely right in front of everyone. Red Moon and I looked at each other wondering what was going on, though an idea was starting to form in my mind. Everyone else was getting up and coming over to see what was the matter--each had great concern on his or her faces.

"Oh,Warri...!" Dahmietra exclaimed when she finally stopped for a breath. She looked up with tears freely flowing from her eyes and gave us a wrenching look. "Help him...please!" she pleaded.

I could feel the strong emotions in both of them: shock, love, and concern from Dahmietra, and anguish, horror, and revulsion from Warri. I looked at Foxfire and she nodded her head and sat down beside Warri. She slipped her arms around him and closed her eyes for a moment, muttering ancient words under her breath. Foxfire began to glow with a silvery-white light that expanded and grew in intensity, surrounding her, Warri and Dahmietra.

"Warri, dear...we have you now my child, you are safe. Show us what you saw."

"No! It's too horrible!" he said in his mind.

"Dear, nothing can harm us. Show us so that we may cleanse you of this dark thing."

Warri felt gently, although strongly, compelled to show what he had seen within Tah-Noor's mind as well as what he did. The images came forth of Tah-Noor speaking with Khel-Sehk, being taken deep down into the caves located in the hills, the place where the Dark Blood Clan dwells, learning of what would become of Dahmietra when she could be found and taken below the hills, and the reward for Tah-Noor's co-operation. Then the images of what Warri did to Tah-Noor out of his anger, fear for Dahmietra's safety as well as his growing love for her--the perpetual nightmarish terror that Tah-Noor would never wake up from for as long as he lived for the evil he took a willing part in.

"Warri, we understand why you did what you did. You thought only to protect the one you love from such unspeakable horror, in the only way that you could. You saw things you should never have had to see, my gentle child of The Forest, not even in the long span of your life to come. Let the light of the stars fill your heart of being and chase away this dark and terrible shadow that troubles you so. And you, Dahmietra...you risked greatly to see what Warri saw and you thought only to give him your love and bring him aid and comfort in his despair without regard for yourself. Be cleansed of these dark things both of you! When the time comes, one will guide you and your friends to the heart of the oldest part of The Great Forest...there you will find your answer."

Both Dahmietra and Warri felt the darkness lift from their spirits and in its place grew two different vines, twining together until they grew into one, growing up the side of a great tree and reaching for the stars above.

We stood around in awe as the light that had enveloped Foxfire, Warri and Dahmietra subsided and eventually faded to the point where the normal shimmer of Foxfire's fur could be seen. Foxfire slowly and fluidly stood, putting her arms around both Warri and Dahmietra, giving both a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"You'll be better now my dears. When we get back to our room, get some rest so you'll be ready in the morning," she said in a mother-like tone.

Foxfire looked at Red Moon and I, smiled, and motioned for us to come join her. She went over to the table she was sitting at bringing her brother in tow and sat down. As soon as Grimm sat down next to Foxfire, she leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder. Grimm put his arm around his little sister and held her for a while as Red Moon and I came over to sit with them. Kurietta sat down on the other side of Foxfire and held her hand.

"Are ya okay, Foxie?" Kuri asked a little concerned about the tired look in Foxfire's eyes.

Foxfire grinned and nodded her head, "It'll pass in a little bit, dear."

As we sat there waiting for Foxfire to collect herself, some of the others gathered around Warri and Dahmietra who both seemed to be in a somewhat befuddled state; the rest came and stood near us to find out what happened. After a few moments, Foxfire sighed and then sat up.

"I tried to help them as best as I could, though maybe when we get home they should visit Lore Master Spirit Feather," she said.

"Huh, I think we might all be keeping him busy for a while," I said shaking my head slightly.

"Warri_did_ see something pretty horrible in that guy's mind," Foxfire said after a moment.

"What was it, could you tell?" I asked.

Foxfire frowned momentarily and said, "Yeah, I saw it...what was his name? Ah, Tah-Noor, it was. He had met with that Khel-Sehk several times, and was taken down into the depths under the hills to where the Dark Bloods dwell. They had plans for our little Dahmi alright...," Foxfire paused with a shudder and looked up with a tear running down her cheek--that was the first time I had ever seen Foxfire cry in her whole life. It startled Grimm as much as it did me. Grimm gently wiped the tear away with his fingers and kissed Foxfire on the cheek.

She reached up her hand and stroked his ear, with a sad little grin on her face she said, "Thanks, Grimmie." She didn't say anything for several moments, but then continued, "They promised that Tah-Noor guy a reward for his...service, and you don't want to know what it was. Anyway, when Warri found out what they wanted to do, he got so crazy angry that he had to do something, anything, to protect Dahmi the only way that he could--he messed up Tah-Noor's mind big time. And Dahmi's been so worried about him that she got him to talk to her in her head...and he ended up showing her what he had seen and heard. I tried my best to wash away the stain of experiencing such evil, but...I think it's going to take someone else who is better at that," Foxfire said sadly.

"Thank you, Foxfire...I know you tried your best and I'm sure it helped. We had no idea that Tah-Noor was involved with Khel-Sehk! Maybe if we had grabbed someone else...," I said.

"Then none of us might ever have known the extent of this treachery," Grimm said.

"So how do we keep this batch of Dark Bloods from waitin' around 'til they can grab Dahmi some other time?" Kurietta asked.

"Attacking them in their own territory would be suicidal at best," Grimm said. "The best we could do would be to seal them in their hole, but how?"

I said.

"It would take several _stone talkers[1]_working together to seal up a cave, and the Dark Bloods would likely sense the magic and launch a counter attack," Grimm pointed out.

"A Drakkorian maybe?" Kurietta suggested.

A Drakkorian! The mention of that race instantly got everyone's attention.

"I haven't seen one since The Long Cold! What made you think of them, Kurietta?" I asked.

"Well...they're big, they kick tail, they can burn or melt just about anything and they hate the Dark Bloods with a passion--something that had to do with eggs a long time ago," she said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Do they still exist somewhere?" Red Moon asked.

"I don't know, though if they could be found and one convinced to flame that cave opening that would certainly do the trick!" I said.

"And even though Dark Bloods are immune to normal fire, they can't survive a Drakkorian's fire," Grimm pointed out.

"Well, it's a great thought, but I have no idea where to find them," I said.

"They used to live up in the mountains, didn't they? Wouldn't that giant bird friend of yers know where they might be?" Kurietta asked me.

"It would be a long shot, but if I see Shri'an next year, I'll ask," I replied.

"So what do we do in the meantime?" Red Moon asked.

"Dahmi is--in spirit if not yet in fact--family now, so we do what we must to keep her safe. As long as she's in The Great Forest, they can't harm her," I replied.

"They may have other minions among the Wastelanders; we should keep an eye out for them in case they continue to harass others, such as those twelve who are soon to be dealt with," Grimm added.

"I'm sure the locals will appreciate it," I agreed.

"Are they gonna be okay for now?" Kurietta asked pointing her thumb towards Dahmietra and Warri.

"Dahmi's a lot stronger than she thinks...she'll be the best help for Warri until someone with better knowledge can help," Foxfire said.

"I suppose that as soon as everyone's finished eating, we ought to head back and get some rest. I got a feeling it's going to be an early day tomorrow," I suggested.

On the way back to the sleeping quarters, Ewvin and Jansina held back until everyone else had crossed the foot bridge between platforms. I stayed with them to help make sure that Ewvin would be able to cross.

"Mist Runner, would you please explain to us what happened back there when we were eating?" Ewvin asked politely.

"I'll try. After I brought Dahmietra to our village, she and Warri became friends--probably because they have similar interests, and he's young like she is, so I suppose it was only natural for them to take a liking to each other. Over the course of this journey they have grown closer and they talk a lot...only it's in their heads using his mind-speak ability. I know that Dahmietra and Warri care about each other and, well, who knows. This whole business of what he saw in that Wastelander's mind--we've had a couple of run-ins with him before--it was apparently pretty bad, and he's having a hard time dealing with it. Dahmietra tried to get him to talk with her while eating and I guess he did, but he ended up showing her what he saw and...then Foxfire tried to help them both the best way that she could. Foxfire is a priestess-shaman of The Great Mother like her own dam is, though she's still a bit new to her abilities. Foxfire can do some wondrous things, though she's not a healer like my dam is," I explained.

"So, do all of your people have magical abilities, or is it mostly in a few?" Jansina asked.

"There are many who can wield the lesser magics, though there are fewer who can wield the more powerful ones such as Foxfire and I can. And then there are The First Ones, but they're in a class all to themselves," I replied.

"I see," Jansina said. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you and your mate choose to make the girl a part of your family?" she asked.

"Dahmietra? Well, Red Moon and I both just...fell in love with her and wanted to give her a good home that she never really had. To her own kind, she has been just a playing piece in a twisted game...or maybe worse, but at least with us she has someone who loves and cares about her and who will see to it that she is given a proper life. So, we'll be her family for as long as she's with us," I explained as best as I could.

"I bet that's going to be really hard on you two, watching her grow old...," Jansina said with concern.

I nodded my head.

"We know that day will come eventually, unless some way could be found to give her immortality, which we understand that it might not be possible. But when the time does come for her to leave the life she has been given, we will be there by her side and we will mourn. But we will also celebrate her life and what she has given us, and we will remember her, and keep her in our heart of being for as long as we continue to exist, even to the breaking of the world," I said quietly. "Soon Red Moon and I will formally adopt Dahmietra and she will be brought into our clan with due ceremony and joy, and she will undergo the Coming of Age ritual with Warri and others at the fall equinox celebrations. She will take her place in the larger community of our people and enjoy all of the rights, privileges, freedom, and responsibilities that come with it," I said happily.

Ewvin and Jansina looked at each other and then back to me.

"I still find it amazing that you would do this for one not of your own kind," Ewvin said.

"There is much about the older races that the younger ones have not yet bothered to learn," I said with a grin.

It didn't take us too long to get settled in for the night. The sleeping quarters had been improved a bit since the last time we had spent the night here--low beds (sized for our people, of course) had been set up with a trunk at the end to store personal items in. Some tables and benches had been added, along with some other amenities. All in all, it wasn't bad for a bunk room. Ewvin and Jansina picked out a bed for themselves a bit away from everyone else for a little measure of privacy and had their things set near them. Red Moon and I chose to sleep together in one bed--it would be a little snug, but we didn't mind (at least it was long enough for us to stretch out in, unlike the beds at the inn). Grimm, of course, was too large to fit comfortably on one, so he put his bedroll next to one and let Foxfire and Kurietta share it. Once everyone got settled in, Snow Spear turned down the lamps and sat at a small table next to the door. Dahmietra waited until Warri got himself situated before she slipped in with him.

"Warri," she whispered in his ear, "roll over this way."

"Why?" he asked in a whisper.

"Why do you think? I'm not going to talk to the back of your head, so roll this way," she whispered her answer a little sarcastically.

"I take it that I don't have much choice, do I?" he whispered.

"No. Roll," she replied.

Warri sighed and then carefully rolled himself over so that he was facing her. Dahmietra held his hand and pointed to her own head to signal that she wanted to speak so that no one could hear. Warri sighed quietly again and established the mental connection.

"To answer your question from when we were in the dining area, it's 'yes', I still want to be with you even knowing all that. I thought I'd tell you just in case I didn't make myself plain enough when I kissed you," she said in her thoughts to him.

She could sense a degree of embarrassment from him as soon as she sent the thought.

"I...I've never been kissed like that before," Warri thought to her.

"I've never kissed anyone like that before, either," she thought back.

"Really?" he asked.

"Really," she replied in her thoughts, nodding her head. "Do you remember what else I said?" Dahmi asked him in her thoughts.

"I remember everything, you know that. Be a little more specific," Warri replied in his thoughts.

"About...being more than...just friends?" she asked.

Warri paused as he tried to figure out how to put into words what he wanted to say.

"Dahmi...I think you know how I feel about you. Sire Mist Runner and Dam Red Moon both gave their permission for us to try being together if we wanted to...without us having to ask first. They wouldn't have said that if they didn't already think we might be a good match for one another. What I'm trying to say is...'yes'."

Dahmietra could feel her heart quickening and her cheeks becoming warm...it was a good thing that it was relatively dark in the room, she thought. Dahmietra placed her hand on Warri's cheek and kissed him tenderly on the lips.

Warri thought privately to himself, "I never could have imagined that I would ever desire a female of her kind. We're so different, and yet...not so different. That evening at the Council Rock, did Sire Mist Runner know something when he invited me to evening meal at his den? And Mistress Fire Weaver...why did she choose to reveal her full self to me only days before Dahmi came? Well, who knows what a First One thinks...or knows, for that matter. But, both Mistress Fire Weaver and Master Spirit Feather have been inside Dahmi's mind...they have to know about her and what she is, how special she is. I must find out why we have to go to the heart of the oldest part of The Great Forest--somehow all of this seems to be leading up to something, if only I could 'see' what it is!" Warri gently pulled Dahmietra closer and returned her kiss, first on her lips, then on her cheek, then just below her ear, and then at the base of her throat just above the end of her collarbone. His keen ears heard her breathing become shallower and faster, and her life beat grow stronger and quicker. Her scent filled his nose and it caused his own life beat to pound strongly.

"Dahmi...if we were alone right now, I think...," he thought to her, and she replied, "I think so, too!"

I was enjoying being snuggled against Red Moon, with my arm around her, even though it seemed a bit warm in the room. Too bad there weren't any windows; they would probably be open to let in the night breeze. I might bring up the need for ventilation with Rock Jumper later. Red Moon also seemed to be enjoying laying close to me...I could feel the end of her tail thumping against my leg. It would be a pretty safe bet that if we were alone, we probably wouldn't get much sleep. Red Moon and I have always had a very healthy relationship the whole time we have known each other. We've always supported one another, talked about things no matter how difficult the subject might be, we listened without judgment, we shared daily chores, we knew how to have fun and laughed often, we did things together and separately, and we always enjoyed sharing ourselves with one another.

Red Moon and I, like the rest of our people, have a very strong sense of family. Soon our family is going to receive a new member...even if she isn't covered with fur. My dam has already met Dahmietra and she knows of our intention of becoming bond mates and formally adopting her, so perhaps she may have already shared that with my sire through their bond-link. My sire, Sky Splitter, has been away from home for the past fifty turns of the seasons while he and Night Blaze--the sire of both Grimm Tooth and Foxfire--have been exploring the lands of the south world. According to what Ewvin had told us earlier, it may be that our sires are on their way back home--they could already be there. While thinking about family, I wondered if my intuition about Warri and Dahmietra would be correct. Ever since that first evening in our village when Warri expressed his concern about Dahmietra at the Council Rock after hearing her story, and then later the next day when he joined us for evening meal and they seemed to take an interest in on another, they have become very close. I think that with this incident with Tah-Noor, Dahmietra has shown that she's willing to stick by him despite what he did. Foxfire is right in that Dahmietra is stronger than she thinks...whether that has anything to do with her being of mixed heritage or not, I'm not sure. How she handled herself at The Gathering, at the inn when Tah-Noor tried to grab her, and tonight at evening meal is enough proof for me that she does have a lot of inner strength. The rest of the people in our village seem to like her well enough, so perhaps our petition to bring her into the clan will be allowed without too much fuss. Content with those thoughts, and even more content being snuggled up to Red Moon, I began to let my thoughts drift off into the haze that passes as sleep for me. Suddenly I felt a burst of emotion nearby which yanked my mind back into instant clarity. I raised my head just enough to peer over Red Moon to see what was going on. When I saw with my eyes in the dim light what my other senses had told me, I relaxed and smiled to myself--my intuition about Warri and Dahmietra had been right after all.

Fire Weaver sat outside on the top of her den with her back against a tree and sipping a bowl of hot tea. She often did this in the late evenings so that she could open her senses and reach into other places and times. Through the bond-link that she shared with her mate, Sky Splitter, he would join her and they would share with each other their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and each other in ways that the younger generations could only guess at for now. Eventually, they would learn how to become more than what they already are, just as she and the other First Ones had in ages past beyond count. Tonight was no exception--as soon as she reached out to touch him across the distance, Sky Splitter was there with her.

"Good evening, my love," he said as they appeared beside one another across the distance.

"Good evening to you, too, love," she said tenderly.

"Did you miss me?" he asked.

"Silly, you know that we're never really apart," she replied playfully.

"I know, dear...still, I never get tired of us being physically together," he said and she could sense his thoughts.

"You should know this form better than anything by now, one would think," she said still teasing her mate.

"Oh, I do...and even after all of these long ages, I still enjoy your touch," he said with a grin.

"Do you now? Still lusting after my physical form, eh?" she asked, giving him a sultry look.

Before he could reply she added, "Now I know where our son gets it...he and Red Moon just can't seem to keep their paws off one another."

"Hah, well, maybe he does...but then, those two have found their true love in one another, just as we have," Sky Splitter said.

"True enough, my love. And for the record, I still enjoy your touch as well," she said sending her own thoughts to her mate.

"So, how is our soon-to-be granddaughter doing?" he asked, changing the subject.

Fire Weaver smiled to herself, knowing that her mate has accepted the idea of Dahmietra joining the family and clan.

"Remarkably well, considering, though her friend seems to have had a traumatic experience," she replied.

"The apprentice lad, Warri? What happened to him?" Sky Splitter asked with concern for his well-being.

Fire Weaver related what Star Fire had learned through Foxfire and had told her.

He sighed and asked, "Are you going to help him, dear?"

"I was thinking of going there tonight to pay a little visit; our son already suspects that I might show up," she replied.

Sky Splitter smiled.

"Night Blaze and I have already crossed into The Great Forest south of where the children are--we should catch up to them by tomorrow night," he said.

"That will be a pleasant surprise for them, won't it dear?" she asked smiling.

"I'm sure little Foxfire will be very happy to see Night Blaze again," he chuckled.

"Remind him to be careful with Grimm's little lady friend," Fire Weaver said.

"I'm sure Starfire probably has, but I will remind him just to be sure. It's going to be interesting meeting her as well as Dahmietra," Sky Splitter said thoughtfully.

"None of our kind has ever taken a mortal for a mate...or taken one to raise as if one of their own," Fire Weaver said with a hint of concern.

"I know, dear. They must make the journey of the heart to The Heart...and one of us must guide them," he said, "but we can discuss that another time."

"I suppose that I should go and have my visit...a healer is always on duty," Fire Weaver said with a little sigh.

"I understand. Give them my love and tell the children that I will see them soon," Sky Splitter said.

"I will. See you soon, my love," Fire Weaver said as they touched and shared in ways much more than any other could.

Fire Weaver opened her eyes and looked into her drinking bowl.

There was still a little tea left in it, so she drained it and said quietly, "Well, I suppose they should be resting by now. I'll take this inside and leave a note for Fern Leaf."

The Lore Mistress stretched slowly and rose from her spot, giving the tree a few pats and thanking it for allowing her to rest next to it. Fire Weaver walked down from the top of her den and went inside, putting her drinking bowl next to the washbasin, and then went into her sleeping area.

She looked at the furs that were used for her bed and thought aloud, "He is right, there is something about touch that we still desire even after all of these long ages."

Fire Weaver stood there for a moment longer, remembering with a smile many pleasant nights...and even way back to the day their son Mist Runner was brought into the still somewhat young world of Y'Nahra. Thinking of that event, she caught herself absentmindedly rubbing her abdomen.

"It's been so long since Mist Runner was born, I wonder...," she mused.

She cocked her head for a moment and then smiled again. Fire Weaver put on her belt, pouch and knife, slipped a few small vials into her pouch and fetched a sheet of parchment and her writing set. She wrote a quick note to her assistant:

Fern Leaf,

I am attending to an errand, I will return within a day, two at the most. Please instruct the message runners to deliver the messages that I have left for them on my desk. If I should be needed urgently before my errand is complete, Spirit Feather will be able to reach me.

Fire Weaver

Satisfied with the note, she left it on the table where Fern Leaf would be able to find it easily.

"Now, my young dear Warri, let's see about making you feel better," Fire Weaver said, closing her eyes.

If anyone had been passing by her den at that moment, he or she would have seen a flash of brilliant light escape through the small spaces around her door.

Warri was lying on his side in the bed with Dahmietra snuggled next to him. It had not taken them too long to fall asleep, partly due to Foxfire's doing earlier and partly due to just being worn out from strong emotions. In a dream, Warri thought he heard someone calling his name...someone familiar.

He dreamt of calling out, "Who is there?"

A very familiar, strong, grandmotherly-like presence filled his mind and he saw in his dream a bright, swirling light form out of nothing. Within the light, he perceived a form without substance take shape that seemed wreathed in sparks. Again, he heard his name being called.

"Warri? Do not be afraid, child, you have seen me thus once before. Show me what ails you."

The voice in his dream sounded so familiar! He thought where he had heard that voice before...and then he remembered: Mistress Fire Weaver!

"Show me your hurt, child," the voice instructed him.

Reluctantly, he called forth all of what he had learned from Tah-Noor's mind, and showed what he had done...and why. Even though Foxfire had tried her best to undo the damage to him, she was not a healer and so only managed to make it tolerable enough so that he could make it home so that he could get help from someone better able to give it.

"I understand now Starfire's concern, and what has brought hurt to you. Oh, my sweet young child, to have seen such at so tender an age! Thank The Great Mother that Foxfire was able to provide what help she could when she did...and Dahmietra, too, for having the strength to risk so much of herself to help you."

"She is very special, Mistress," Warri said to the being of light.

"In more ways than you know, my young child. Be still now, I will soothe your hurts," the voice said to him.

In the dream he felt a wave of energy, much stronger than Sire Mist Runner's healing energy, flow through his entire being. He felt as if he had been immersed into the very essence of Life itself, and all of the inner pain he had felt (as well as any bodily pain he had acquired during the long trip) dissolve away.

"There now, all better," the grandmotherly voice said gently.

"Thank you, Mistress," Warri said in his dream.

He perceived the form without substance within the light smiled upon him...and then another person joined him: Dahmietra.

"Warri? What's going on? Is this something you're imagining or...what?" he could hear Dahmi say.

"Ah, you_do _perceive me, my dear. I came because you called out for help...not for yourself, but for one you care about," said the voice in the light.

"Dahmi, this is...Mistress Fire Weaver!" Warri exclaimed.

Dahmi stood next to Warri and looked into the bright light--she could see an outline of a form that seemed surrounded by motes as if stirred up from a fire. The outline_did_ seem familiar...

Dahmietra woke up with a start, sharply inhaling a breath. The room was still dark and everything seemed very still.

She turned to Warri and whispered into his ear, "Warri! Wake up! I just had the strangest dream!"

Warri twitched and woke up, blinking his eyes to see Dahmi looking at him.

"Wha...? A dream? I was just having a dream, too! You were there and so...was...oh!"

Warri exclaimed as he looked wide-eyed over Dahmi's shoulder and felt as if he was going to jump right out of his skin.

"Warri!" Dahmietra whispered, "there's no one over there but...," she thought she felt someone close behind her and she quickly turned her head the other way and saw that there was indeed someone very close to her...someone who couldn't have been there, or so she thought. "Ahh!" Dahmietra cried out.

Both Red Moon and I awoke instantly to Dahmi's cry. Very quickly, I felt, saw, and scented someone very familiar to me sitting on the edge of the bed that both Dahmi and Warri were sharing.

"Mother?!" I exclaimed just about the same time that Red Moon gasped loudly as she recognized who had suddenly appeared among us.

"Mistress Fire Weaver! How...?" Red Moon exclaimed.

Suddenly everyone was awake and in shock to see my dam with us. Snow Spear turned up the oil lamp near him and we all blinked a few times in the light. Sure enough, mother was there sitting on the side of the bed with Dahmi and Warri. Fire Weaver held up her hand and motioned for everyone to be quiet.

"I came because there was hurt which needed healing," she said as she stroked first Warri's face and then Dahmietra's. "And I believe there is another who could use my help, is that not right my son?" she asked looking at me. Jansina!

"Yes, mother, there is," I said looking towards the back of the room where Ewvin and his wife was.

They were both sitting up in their bed, looking a bit groggy--and shocked--at seeing a new person in the room. I got up out of bed and walked around to greet my dam. We hugged and kissed each other on the cheek.

"I see that you brought everyone back with you, plus four more," she said with a smile as she looked at Kurietta, and then Ewvin and Jansina.

"It took some doing, but I think we managed to do what we set out to do," I said happily.

"I never doubted your abilities, my son. Now, introduce your dam to these newcomers," she said.

As I took mother over to where Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire were, Grimm quickly knelt on one knee and lowered his head, as did Foxfire. Kurietta had never seen Grimm act submissive before to anyone, so she whispered quickly in his ear, "Grimmster, it's only Misty's ma!" Grimm glanced up at Kurietta just long enough to grab her hand and pull her down. "She's a First One," he whispered back. Kurietta looked around and saw that everyone else was out of bed and kneeling down, except for Ewvin and Jansina who had no idea what was going on.

"Grimm Tooth, it is always good to see you again," Fire Weaver said as she leaned down and kissed him on the top of his head. "Stand, child...no need to be so formal at this hour, and not since I have come simply to heal some hurts."

Mother gently placed her hand under Grimm's chin and lifted it so that he could meet her gaze. I caught Grimm making a glance over to me so I motioned for him to stand. Grimm slowly stood and bowed his head and said,

"It is good to see you again as well, Mistress."

"Ah, my beautiful child, you have improved your skills I see," mother said to Foxfire as she hugged her, "and thank you for helping both Warri and my soon-to-be granddaughter with their troubles when you did."

"I tried to, Mistress...," Foxfire said shyly.

"Your parents will be quite proud of you, dear," Fire Weaver said with a grin. "And you...you must be Grimm Tooth's one and only love...Kurietta, is it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Kuri said looking up at Fire Weaver in wonder.

"I can see why my son's friend has been so taken with you, dear," she said, cupping Kurietta's chin in her hand and kissing the top of her head. Mother looked at Grimm again and said, "A few days after you get home and settled you and Kurietta should come by for tea." Grimm knew that although it was a "suggestion", it was not something to be ignored or turned down.

"Yes, Mistress, it would be an honor," Grimm said, bowing his head.

Mother personally greeted everyone in the room, making her way back towards the two Southlanders. By the time mother and I got to the back of the room, they had gotten up out of bed and seemed somewhat ashamed at their appearance, wearing their usual nightclothes. It did not seem to bother Fire Weaver in the least--and indeed, it didn't.

"Dam, this is Ewvin and Jansina of Pelnas, a small village in the Southlands; they are moving here to escape the fighting in their homeland, and they have some skills with pottery and weaving. Ewvin, Jansina, this is my mother, Lore Mistress Fire Weaver, the Keeper of Customs, one of our leaders and the best healer you'll ever meet," I said making the introductions.

Ewvin bowed deeply and Jansina curtsied as best as she could upon being introduced.

"I welcome the three of you to The Great Forest," mother said as she gave them a quick welcoming hug.

"Thank you, milady, we're most grateful for your son's assistance and the hospitality of your people," Ewvin said politely.

Fire Weaver smiled and said, "Mist Runner is an excellent judge of character, and he chooses his friends well. You will have a home here where you may raise your little one in safety."

"Thank you, milady, I...gasp! Oh!" Jansina suddenly doubled over with a sharp pain in midsentence.

"Let's get you back into bed, child so that I can attend to you," Fire Weaver said as she helped Jansina to lie down. "That's it, very carefully, dear. Now then, let me see what the trouble is," she said as she summoned her healing magic.

"Ewvin, perhaps you should tell my mother about before...," I prompted.

Ewvin nodded his head and situating himself on the other side of the bed so that he could hold Jansina's hand, told Fire Weaver about their first child and the troubles they had along the way here. Fire Weaver listened and nodded her head as she examined Jansina. She found the cause of the problem and corrected it, and then she checked the health of the unborn child.

"Your little one is anxious to get a start on this life, we'll just have to convince her to be patient a little longer," Fire Weaver said after a few moments, smiling gently.

"It's a girl? Are you certain?" Jansina asked in wonder.

"Oh, I'm quite certain my dear. You both are going to be fine, though we do need to make sure that you eat proper meals. I have something here that will help...," Fire Weaver said as she fished the vials out of her pouch, "take a sip of this once a day in the morning, when you have your first meal of the day; it should be enough to last until your little one comes out. When it is near the time, I will have you brought to my den where you can receive proper care."

Ewvin and Jansina looked at each other in surprise and then Ewvin said to Fire Weaver, "Milady, we don't know how to thank you enough for helping strangers such as us."

"First and foremost I am a healer...it is the duty of my calling to help those in need. Seeing the joy on your faces will be thanks enough," Fire Weaver said with a smile as she patted Jansina's hand.

Fire Weaver gracefully stood, smiling one more time at Ewvin and Jansina and then she walked casually with me over to Red Moon, Dahmietra, and Warri.

"Mist Runner, perhaps we should let your friends get their rest. No doubt it will be a long day tomorrow, which will begin early enough if I'm not mistaken," mother said quietly to me.

"Will you be staying the night?" I asked.

She smiled and said, "I will walk with you a little ways tomorrow."

It was my turn to smile.

"Thank you, mother; we will enjoy your company. You, father, and I don't often get the chance to walk among the trees together, not like we used to...I miss that," I said with a hint of wistfulness in my voice. She turned and gently placed her hand on the side of my face.

"Has it been so long, my son?" she asked with a hint of regret in her voice.

I simply nodded my head--the world has changed much since then.

"Your sire is on his way home, he expects to catch up to you and your friends by tomorrow night. We will have a family outing...I suppose that we are very long overdue for one. This time we shall include your Red Moon and young Dahmietra...and Warri, too, if he wishes," mother said to me.

"That would be a great way for them to get to know you two," I said grinning. "And well they should, dear...we are family after all," she agreed.

I had everyone go back to bed and we dimmed the lamp again, though this time I let Snow Spear get some rest so that mother, Red Moon, and I could talk among ourselves for a little while. Mother sat on the edge of the bed that Dahmietra and Warri were sharing and stayed with them until they both fell asleep...with a little help from her, of course. When she was satisfied that they were resting peacefully, she silently stood and came over to sit at the table by the door where Red Moon and I were waiting.

Mother sat down and glancing over to Dahmi and Warri again, she said, "Despite their outward differences, they will make an interesting pair, those two."

Red Moon and I held each other's hand and smiled.

"That they will, Dam," I agreed.

"And this Kurietta...Starfire had told me about her and Grimm back when they were first together, as I remember. His sire was not quick to accept his son's choice, but she has had time to discuss it with Night Blaze, and he has come around to accepting their coming union. She does seem to be just what Grimm needs...someone to remind him to enjoy life; a lesson that you two seem to have taken to heart so well," mother said, turning her attention to us.

"We always seem to be able to find ways to...enjoy what we have, Mistress," Red Moon said with a grin.

"And yet you are able to make room for another," mother said with a knowing smile.

Red Moon gave me a questioning look.

"Mistress Starfire, Foxfire's dam, is mother's closest friend, aside from father," I told Red Moon with a slight grin.

"Oh," Red Moon said quietly once she understood what I was getting at. "It was my idea," Red Moon said, "I know how Foxfire feels about Mist Runner...she and I have talked about it, and I suggested it to Mist Runner. Foxfire's my friend, and I'm okay with it, though if it was anyone else..."

"I understand, dear. This is between the three of you, though I suggest that you be certain that Foxfire understands and accepts your conditions, and then sticks to them. She can still be somewhat childlike in her idealized expectations, though perhaps she has grown some on this quest of yours," mother said.

"I believe Foxfire is starting to question, and maybe even understand, why she feels the way that she does about me, but nonetheless, we will heed your advice," I said to my dam.

"So, how did those potions work for you and Dahmietra?" mother asked.

"The sensation was a bit strange at first, though they seemed to work quite well," I said.

"Ah, good, I was hoping that they would do the job. I have more if you ever need it again," mother said.

"That's good to know," I agreed. "I assume that you've told father about our adopting Dahmietra and wanting to bring her into the clan," I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course, dear, he's looking forward to meeting her soon," mother replied to my query.

"Do you think anyone is going to raise any trouble about it?" I asked cautiously.

Mother thought for a moment, "None that I can think of right away...oh, Stream Chaser might have a word or two about it, but I will speak with her and let her know that your sire and I both are for it. Spirit Feather understands why you want to...it seems that little Dahmietra's words have had quite an effect on him the last time you stood before the Council Rock, not that your sire's cousin would ever show it in front of others."

I nodded my head in understanding.

"She does seem to have a knack of growing on others, doesn't she?" I asked with a grin.

Mother smiled and glanced over to where Dahmi was sleeping.

"She does at that," she agreed.

We sat there for a few moments, not saying anything, until Red Moon spoke up.

"Ewvin told us about the fighting in the southlands. It seems that started after Khel-Sehk first appeared at the religious enclave where Dahmi was at, and then there are those warriors that have been seen skulking along at night on the trade route and covering their tracks--they apparently started scouring the area between here and the Wastelander village of Cedar Knoll looking for her. Between Mist Runner, Smoke Fire, and Foxfire, Khel-Sehk is no more, but Grimm thinks there may be at least a few more Dark Bloods still trying to stir things up," she said.

"We found out that those warriors are not Eastlanders after all, they're Wastelanders dressed up to look like them, and they're from the Whispering Hills...where Khel-Sehk came from. Why they're dressed up to look like Eastlander warriors, we haven't been able to figure out yet, but they sure have the locals around here afraid," I added.

"I received your message from Yureel," mother said, thinking about the information we just provided her.

"Grimm and I were wondering how to stop the Dark Bloods...we thought that maybe it would be best to just seal up the hole they came out of, but how to do that turned into a problem, until Kurietta brought up the Drakkorians. None of us has heard from them in a very long time, though again Kurietta suggested that maybe I might try asking my friend Shri'an of the V'Aertii. If I see her next spring, I'll ask if she could find out where they might be found," I said.

Mother raised an eyebrow at that and rubbed her chin in thought.

"That's an interesting thought. It seems our little woodland friend is full of surprises," she mused.

"If only you knew...," I said with a grin, momentarily thinking of some of the things Kurietta had done in the past.

Mother smiled and said, "I'm sure that there will be plenty of time for amusing stories." But then her expression became a bit more somber. "We debated your suggestion about summoning a General Council of the Clans...and we decided that it might be appropriate to do so, given what we knew at the time. This new information you have given me has confirmed some of what Starfire and I have been concerned about. The day after you arrive back home, you and your friends will come and tell us what you learned on this quest of yours. Perhaps young Warri should share what he learned with us in his own way as well," mother said.

"Should we keep forcing him to recall those images?" I asked being very concerned about his mental welfare.

"I understand your concern, my son...I will assist him with it so that it will not distress him further."

"Thank you. He's been through a lot already for one so young," I said.

"But he is more mature than some others who are of the same age as he. I think in the long run he will turn out to be quite a fine example for others," she said, giving an appreciative glance towards Warri.

"Oh, by the way, we found more of The Woodland People on our journey--three more of the Skunatii, two of the Cunatii and also an Eastlander lad who was raised by a Cunatii family. They helped us at The Gathering and in return I introduced them to the merchants I know in Cedar Knoll. We've invited them to come and visit and they accepted," I said.

"Excellent, dear! We have not had contact with our woodland friends for too long, that is good news indeed," mother said happily.

We continued to chitchat for a while, until it was time to wake the next person to keep watch. Fire Weaver, like the rest of the First Ones, never really sleeps--she will lie down and let her thoughts slip into other places and times, or share herself with her mate. It's been rumored--and they have neither confirmed nor denied this--that they can also contact other First Ones wherever they may be. Mother did find an empty bed to relax in until it would be time to get up...and deal with what had to be dealt with.

It was barely first light when there was a knock on the door and we received word that the one named Hath-Zhan had been captured when the Wastelander warriors tried to enter The Great Forest. Every one of us, even mother, got up and went to meet Rock Jumper--of course, there were questions of how she came to be with us, once everyone got over their shock of having one of the Lore Masters suddenly arrive without anyone knowing that she was coming. Grimm led us to where Rock Jumper had set up his command area, and had someone go fetch him. When he arrived, his eyes got very wide when he saw Fire Weaver and he immediately went down on one knee and lowered his head.

"G...Good morning, M...Mistress!!! I was not informed of your arrival!" he hurriedly greeted her.

"I was not inclined to give notice as I came for personal reasons...Rock Jumper, is it?" she asked.

"Y...Yes, Mistress," he replied.

"Ah, I thought I had recognized you. Stand, all of you...there is no reason to remain so for an informal occasion, and especially at this hour of the morning," she instructed.

Mother glanced at Grimm and me, nodded her head, and took a step back to indicate that we should do what we had come to do.

"How long ago did they try to enter The Forest, Rock Jumper?" I asked.

"About a half an hour or so; Defender Third Rank Ivy used her skills to entangle their arms and legs long enough so that we could quickly sort out the one Sire Grimm Tooth wanted and do what was required to the rest. The prisoner is still being held where he was caught at, while the others have been put across the backs of their mounts," he explained.

"Take us to him," I ordered. Rock Jumper nodded his head once and led the way to the prisoner.

Hath-Zhan was still secured by the vegetation under Ivy's control, suspended just off the ground, slightly leaning forward with his head being held back so that he could be looked at in the eyes. Grimm and I approached him first, causing his eyes to widen with fear upon seeing Grimm's very large size and demeanor.

"We have not had our first meal yet today, so we will make this quick," I said with a quiet iciness in my voice.

Hath-Zhan paled and tried to say something, but a branch had gagged him.

Grimm looked at Ivy who was nearby and quietly ordered in his deep voice, "Release his mouth so that he may speak."

"One moment, Sire...," she said and then she shifted her thoughts so that she could command the branch to move away from his mouth. Just as Hath-Zhan sharply inhaled, Grimm quickly put his hand over the warrior's mouth to silence him before he had the chance to utter any sound.

"It will serve no purpose for you to scream--we are going to let you go, but you must take a message back to your masters," Grimm said, trying to keep his face neutral.

Grimm glanced at me and I nodded my head once, and then motioned for Dahmietra to come forward.

Grimm and I took a step to each side of the prisoner to allow her to stand before him. She stared at him hard for several seconds before she spoke.

"So, the great warriors of the Takh'ahn tribe, stopped dead in their tracks by a few bushes. Pah! I've heard of the exploits of Khasred the Merciless," she said as she glanced over in the direction their mounts, "it doesn't seem he was such a great and fearsome warrior after all." Dahmietra spat on the ground in disgust as if she was trying to get the taste of such a foul name out of her mouth. "I'm the one you chelkrat[2]_have all been looking for...and you very much need to know that you had best leave...me...alone. I am no longer of those who came here from The Wastelands, and you can't have me! Oh, I found out about the twisted, sick little thing those idiot Dark Bloods had in mind for me...and they can't have me either! This place, The Great Forest, is my home now and evil is not allowed here. These people are now my friends, my family...and there's one I just happen to be in love with! Hah! Take _that back to those weak little miscreants who have you going around hurting people! How would you like to end up like that other chelkrat, Tah-Noor? I could have slit his throat when I had the chance to a few days ago, but I didn't...it would have been better than what he ended up getting, I imagine. This is what you need to take back and tell the rest of your idiot tribe_and_ your evil masters: it doesn't matter if you send one, twelve, or the whole ugly lot of you to try and get me--you can't have me! I am_not_ yours to play games with, I am not yours to do sick, perverted things to, and I am not yours to hunt or to do anything else to! If you don't leave me alone, there may not be enough left of your carcasses for the insects to find! Oh, and good luck trying to find Khel-Sehk. Ah, you know of him, eh? Well, for the record, he found out what it's like to mess with the wrong people...and got his tail incinerated into nothingness for it! Don't believe me? I think there's a scorch mark where he used to be at and another where his wagon was, back where The Gathering was held at," Dahmi ranted rather animatedly to Hath-Zhan. She stood there for a moment, and then leaned close and whispered very quietly into his ear in the Wastelander tongue, "I ever see you again, you will be exactly two nuts shy of a full pouch, and that's only for starters, understand, chelkrat?" Hath-Zhan quickly nodded his head vigorously. Dahmietra smiled wickedly and turned away. As she passed Grimm, she said, "Have fun!" and walked back to Warri, hugging and kissing him on the mouth before standing by his side with her arm around his waist. Grimm and I both watched as Dahmietra walked away, and then looked at each other. Grimm raised an eyebrow and I tried my best to keep from laughing. I could tell that Grimm was trying to suppress a grin. Hath-Zhan was drenched in sweat even though the early morning air was cool. He glanced up at Grimm just as he ended up cracking a smile from Dahmietra's performance--thinking the worse, when Grimm finally turned his attention towards him, he promptly fainted.

Red Moon put her arm around Dahmietra and started chuckling.

"If that doesn't put the fear into him, I don't know what else would!" Red Moon said.

"_Hmpf!_He's scavenger food, and he knows it," Dahmi retorted.

Foxfire had been interpreting to Kurietta what Dahmietra had said during her rant, since she had spoken in the Common Tongue.

After Dahmi went back to Warri, Kurietta said, "Geez, Foxie, I guess she musta got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!" Kurietta grinned.

Foxfire grinned back and said, "I wonder if she realizes that she just admitted in front of everyone that she loves Warri?"

Kurietta thought for a moment and then snickered, "Yah! I'd like to see the look on her face when she does!"

"Looks like he passed out, Grimm," I said holding Hath-Zhan's head up for a moment.

"I suppose that we should let him go...I'm sure Dahmietra got the point across to him," Grimm suggested.

"Remind me to make sure she gets her tea first thing in the morning," I said with a grin.

"Certainly. We should remind Warri of that as well," he said barely able to hide a smirk. Grimm looked at Ivy and said, "Go ahead and release him and make sure he's taken directly to his mount."

"Yes, Sire, will do," she replied.

Grimm and I turned and walked away, heading back to the others.

"He passed out from fright. He'll be released and taken back to his mount before he awakens," I said to everyone. "We might as well go back and get something to eat now that we're up."

There were a few murmurs of approval on getting something to eat, so we headed back.

As we were approaching the path from the bridge to the outpost, Grimm looked around and asked, "Has anyone seen Kurietta?"

Everyone stopped in their tracks and looked around. Suddenly there was a shout in the Wastelander tongue coming from the edge of The Forest. "GHAH!!! MY EYES!!!"

"Eh, Grimm...I think I know where Kurietta is," I said grinning and shaking my head slowly.

I went on up with the others while Grimm waited on Kurietta to catch up. We made our way to the dining area, got our food, and sat down to eat. We had not been seated long before Grimm and Kurietta entered. As soon as they got their food, they sat down next to us at the table. When Kurietta walked by me, I picked up a trace of a particular scent...and knew for certain then what she had done. While simple, a Skunatii's unerringly accurate defensive capability is overwhelmingly effective at instantly incapacitating an adversary, and long lasting--it's definitely something to avoid being on the receiving end of. Dahmietra, who was sitting across the table from me and next to Warri, couldn't help but to smile at Kurietta. Both Dahmi and I understood the words shouted by Hath-Zhan, possibly a few others as well who knew some of the Wastelander language.

"So, Kuri...I guess you had to have a little 'chat' with Hath-Zhan, too?" I asked between bites of food and trying my best to keep a straight face.

Kurietta had her usual quirky grin on her face as she bit into a piece of her food.

"Yah, he came to as soon as they were draggin' him out into the open, and he seemed like he had his tail all bent outta shape...you know, acting like a Pumatii who's having a bad fur day. So...I gave that frizz ball a good reason to get a move on," she said flashing a quick smile.

"I'm sure he'll move faster once he's able to breathe and see properly again," I said with a smirk.

"Yah, he_was_ kinda thrashin' around on the ground for a bit...but he deserved it for what he was doin' out there. Got 'im square in the face, too! Yep, this ol' girl can still aim high and bring 'em low!" she said as she proudly breathed on the claws on one hand and buffed them on her chest while flicking her tail straight up behind her and swishing the tip from side-to-side.

Warri nearly choked on his food trying to suppress a laugh. I'm not sure if mother was too impressed, but those of us who had heard what Kurietta said, were all laughing and shaking our heads. When Jansina asked Brown Leaf what was going on, she interpreted Kurietta's words...and then quietly had to explain what she did. When Jansina understood finally, she quickly held her hand over her mouth to hide a smile as she blushed in embarrassment.

After we all finished eating, we headed back to the sleeping quarters to pack up for the final few days of traveling that it would take to get home again. Night Song managed to talk one of the cooks into giving us some more rations to make sure we had enough to get home on. I found Rock Jumper so that I could give him a few last instructions concerning the boats and keeping the patrols up, as well as finding temporary quarters and assistance for Ewvin and Jansina until a permanent den could be built for them next to the others who lived near the outpost. When all was ready for us to depart, we said our goodbyes to Ewvin and Jansina who couldn't thank us enough for our assistance.

"Just remember that we're only three days away that way," I said pointing in the direction of Hope's Spring.

"Rock Jumper, the one who is in charge of this outpost, will see to your needs and I'll personally make arrangements for a proper den to be made for you. It should be near finished about the time your little one comes, and we'll see to it that you have what you need to get started."

"Oh, thank you so very much, Mist Runner! You and your people have been so kind to us...we don't really know what to say!" Jansina said rather emotionally.

I hugged Jansina and clasped Ewvin's hand and said, "Be good to one another--we will see each other again soon!"

We struck out while the morning sun was still low in the sky--the cool, misty morning air carried the familiar scents of our homeland, which seemed to lift everyone's spirits. Knowing that home, family, and friends were now only three days away also served to lighten our hearts. We had done what we had originally set out to do, which was to free Dahmietra from her people, though we discovered and had to deal with so much more than we had thought. I suppose that is the way of such journeys, taking on a life of their own despite the best plans of those walking the path--you never can be quite sure where it will lead you, or how difficult it might end up being. But in the end, each person will learn something more about themselves and others around them. Although we are nearing the end of this little journey, the greater one before us is still unfolding.

Once we got deeper into The Great Forest, I turned my thoughts towards my own family. Mother was walking beside me--this was the first time in many, many turns of the seasons that we have walked together among the trees. It brought back pleasant memories of my youth. Indeed, The Forest itself seemed shrouded in the mists of the past with the morning fog, which only served to accentuate the experience. Like all of the First Ones, mother had a decidedly wild look to her appearance, more so than the rest of us. Despite her incalculable age, she still appeared strong, steady, graceful, and beautiful. Her bright eyes missed nothing, she always heard the slightest sound, but her voice I think more than anything else about her was the only thing that might give hint that she was far older than she appeared. Her accent was ancient, her tone was grandmotherly, and though she often spoke softly, her voice carried the weight of authority and great wisdom. I remembered when I was still a small cubling, a time when the three of us were resting, I had fallen asleep and I dreamt of being held between two great swirling balls of light and my own body was somewhere between solid and light. Within the two lights, I could sense the faces of my parents looking lovingly at each other and me. It was the most pleasant dream I've ever had. When I was old enough to leave the den, we would go on little outings--at first they would be for a day or evening, then gradually they would be over night or a couple of days and more. Eventually we would leave for extended trips, seeing more and more of the world around us. It has been a long time since we have traveled together, so this time spent with mother walking with us, and knowing that father would soon be joining us was a nice change for me. Red Moon seemed to be enjoying mother's company as well under these informal conditions. And Dahmietra, too, seemed particularly interested in spending the time with mother and the two getting to know one another more. We stopped for a while during midmorning for a rest break, and then stopped again around noontime for our midday meal. We talked about home, what we would like to do once we got back, told amusing little stories...anything but talk about our journey. There would be plenty of time for that later. After we had a good rest, we picked up our things and continued towards home. We made another rest stop in the late afternoon and continued on to sunset.

As we were resting, mother walked a short distance away and cocked her head as if she was listening to something. After a few moments, she smiled and lifted her chin and began to sing...it was a special song in the ancient tongue, one that only Grimm and I were old enough to know. As Fire Weaver sang her Song of Calling, it seemed as if her fur shimmered much as Foxfire's does; only there were also tiny little sparkles of light, barely visible, slowly swirling around her form. Soon there was an answering song in the distance, though it seemed to be getting closer and closer. A second voice joined in with the first that answered and the three blended into a harmonious balance that stirred us all deeply. I stood and added my own voice to the song, followed quickly by Grimm and Foxfire. Grimm, Foxfire, and I made our way over to where mother was standing and we all sang the ancient Song of Calling together. The rest of our group sat with eyes half closed and slowly swaying together, though tears came to both Dahmietra and Kurietta as they held each other and listened.

"We are so outta our league here, girl! What did we get ourselves into, Dahmi, getting mixed up with people so old that they make the mountains look like newborn kits?" Kurietta thought to herself.

"Don't worry hon, this Grimm Tooth of yours loves you more than ya know. He risked his life to try to save ya and nearly died trying. He and his friend searched for days afterwards looking for ya. Ever since then, he's held ya in his heart of being... that should tell ya something my little kitling," Kurietta thought she had heard her mother speaking to her in her mind and suddenly felt very strange.

"Ma? Is that ya?" Kurietta thought back.

"Look beside ya, my kitling," the familiar voice said in her head. Kurietta nervously looked to her right and as she did, she thought she saw something faintly shimmering in the cool forest air. Her eyes instantly grew very wide and she spun around so fast that she ended up falling over backwards and nearly taking Dahmietra with her.

"Ooof! Kuri, what are you doing?" Dahmietra asked in an exasperated whisper.

Kurietta pointed to the spot beside her where she was sitting and said, "Look!"

Dahmietra frowned and looked to where Kurietta was pointing...and then her frown suddenly changed to strangled exclamation of surprise.

"Aak!"

She also saw the faint shimmer in the dimming light. While listening to his elder's song, Warri got the sensation that they weren't alone just about the time that he heard a commotion beside him. When he looked, Kurietta was sitting on the ground facing nearly the opposite direction and pointing at something, and he saw Dahmietra looking in the same direction. While his abilities were sensing the presence of an Unseen One, he had to rub his eyes a moment because he could swear that something was faintly appearing next to Kurietta. Warri quickly asked Red Moon using his mind-speak ability if she saw the same thing that apparently they were seeing

"Dam Red Moon, do you see that? Over by Kurietta...there's...a shimmer...and we're not alone."

Red Moon quickly came out of the reverie that she was in and looked over towards Kurietta--and sure enough, she saw something faintly shimmering in the dim evening light.

Mother, Grimm, Foxfire, and I were just finishing our song when I suddenly felt a mix of strong emotions from several of our group, including Red Moon. I looked in her direction to see what was going on and I saw Red Moon looking rather strangely at...something. Foxfire looked over in that direction, too, just about the same time I did, and then she gave me a questioning look. Mother, never missing anything as usual, looked for a moment in the same direction as Foxfire and I was and then looked at me.

"Seems that someone else has joined us," she said thoughtfully.

I tapped Grimm on the arm and when he opened his eyes, the four of us headed over to where Kurietta, Dahmi, Warri, and Red Moon were, with mother leading the way.

The shimmer stayed close to Kurietta even as we approached. It seemed to be about the same size as her, in height and width and depth. When the rest of our group saw what we were looking at, they quickly got up and watched, not really knowing what was happening. Foxfire walked right up to the shimmer and held her hand out to it--the shimmer seemed to extend part of itself to her hand and Foxfire closed her fingers as if she were holding someone's hand. She closed her eyes and began quietly speaking words in the ancient tongue. Foxfire's fur began to glow a silvery-white as she spoke and soon little motes of light began to swirl around the shimmer, which grew in strength until it took a definite and clear ghostly form of a person. The form looked at itself and then we heard a voice--faintly at first, but growing stronger, though sounding somewhat hollow.

"Well, now doesn't that just beat all!" the voice exclaimed.

"Elretta? Is that you?" I asked rather shocked.

"Misty? Ya can see me?" the apparition asked.

"Yes, and hear you, too! How is this possible?" I asked.

"The Great Forest has much to do with it," mother explained, "though Foxfire helped by giving her the means to step a little of the way into this existence of The Forest. You see, The Great Forest exists in both this world and the spirit realm, so here it is easier for those on both sides to communicate with each other."

"How long can I stay like this?" the spirit of Elretta asked.

"Foxfire has given you the means...when and for how long depends on you," Fire Weaver said.

The spirit of Elretta looked at Foxfire and asked, "Ya think ya can do this for two more?"

Foxfire grinned and said, "I can do that."

The spirit of Elretta looked away for a moment and appeared to be talking to someone else. After a moment or two, a couple more shimmers appeared nearby, and Foxfire repeated her earlier actions for each of the other two shimmers. Soon the ghostly forms of both Kurietta's father, Elmric, and her younger sister Meri appeared besides Kurietta's mother.

"Hiya, sis!" the spirit of Meri said as she gave her little circular wave.

"Ah, there's my baby girl! Oh, and all of yer friends, too!" Kurietta's father's spirit said holding his hands out to her.

"Da...?" Kurietta asked in a near whisper as she stood up and held her hands out to him. Tears started flowing down her cheeks as she stood there, wanting so desperately to feel the touch of her family again.

"We told ya we'll always be with ya, Kuri," her mother's spirit said.

"Oh, I miss ya guys so much!" Kurietta sobbed. Grimm and I stood on either side of her and we both put our arms around her, and Foxfire stood directly behind her and did the same.

"We know you do, dear...at least this way you get to see and talk to them," Foxfire said gently, and then she leaned down and kissed Kurietta on top of her head.

Grimm held his other hand out, palm up, to the spirit forms of Kurietta's family.

"It is good to see you again," he said, with a little catch in his voice.

They all put their hands on his and her father's spirit said, "It's good to see ya, too, Grimm Tooth...been way too long. I don't know how ya were able to pull it off, but I'm awfully glad that ya and my little Kuri are together again. Ya were always so good to her, and I'm happy that ya waited...even if it was such a terribly long time."

"I would wait to the breaking of the world for her," Grimm said and lifted Kurietta up and held her close.

"Ya really mean that, Grimmster?" Kurietta asked with a surprised look on her face.

Grimm very solemnly replied, "Before all present, yes, I would wait for you even to then."

I could feel the strength of my friend's conviction in his statement as well as his love for Kurietta, and so could both my dam and Foxfire. The spirits of Elmric and Elretta hugged one another and then hugged Grimm and Kurietta.

"Oh, my little kitling, I knew there a reason why ya two were brought together all of those turns of the seasons ago...this is a rare gift ya've been given, so make the best of it!" the spirit of Elretta said giving her love to both her daughter and Grimm.

"They are right; indeed this is a rare gift. While many may know love, few will ever experience it with such strength and devotion as you do, or have been as sorely tested as you have been. Make the best of that which The Great Circle of Life has given you," mother said to Grimm and Kurietta, and then stepped around in front of them.

The spirit forms of Elmric, Elretta, and Meri were suddenly illuminated as if the morning sun was shining on them, though no one else saw any bright light. The three spirits huddled together in awe and hugged one another as they faced the light...that also just happened to be in the same direction that mother was standing.

"Elmric, Elretta, Meri...this is my mother, Lore Mistress Fire Weaver," I said making the introduction.

"Oh my stars...! A...A...First One!" Elmric managed to say after a moment.

"Like Mist Runner's sire and me, Grimm Tooth's parents are also First Ones," mother said as she held out her hand and touched each of them in turn.

"I felt that, yer touch!" the spirit of Elretta said in awe.

In a hushed whisper, the wide-eyed spirit of Meri said, "I thought sis was pullin' my tail...,"

"Ya never did pay too much attention to what I tried to tell ya, ya little fur ball...maybe ya will next time!" Kurietta admonished her sister's spirit.

Mother smiled, knowing how siblings could be.

"You were fortunate, Kurietta, in that even though once you were taken away from those who you loved and who loved you in return, they--in their own way--remained with you, even to this time. Family is very important to you, as it is for our own kind as well. It is something that you, Dahmietra, will also come to know and to hold in your own heart of being. You may have 'lost' your own family when you were given away to others, but very soon now you will become part of a new family who, like Kurietta's, will care for you with all they have in their heart of beings to give, asking nothing in return. And Warri, too, will be a part of that--I have no doubt of it. Dahmietra and Kurietta, one day soon you both will take the journey_of_ the heart to the Heart, and there you both will find the answers you seek to the questions you are only beginning to consider. Your friends will go with you as you make this journey, though one will come to guide your way. But, all in due time, little ones; now is a time for joy, of coming_and_ becoming," mother explained.

Mother walked over to me (as she did, the light that was illuminating the spirits of Kurietta's family shifted with her, though to our eyes we saw no light coming from her), and gently laid her hand on the side of my face.

"And speaking of family, my son, your sire will be here very soon," she said smiling the way she used to when I was still young.

I grasped mother's hand and kissed her wrist, which brought a smile to her face and she stroked the long fur on my head and neck with her other hand.

Grimm eventually set Kurietta back down on her feet and then, taking her hand, led her and Foxfire over to tree to sit down. The spirits of Kurietta's family followed and they all sat in a circle to talk quietly among themselves. Red Moon and I, along with Dahmietra, Warri and mother found our own spot to sit and talk. Brown Leaf, Night Song, Smoke Fire, and Snow Spear went back to where they had been sitting and pulled out some of their rations to eat for their evening meal.

"I've never seen any of the Unseen Ones made visible before," Brown Leaf said quietly as they ate.

"Yeah, seems rather...strange. I'm glad that Kurietta can at least see and talk to her folks, but the thought of talking to the dead just kind of creeps me out for some reason," Night Song said glancing over in their direction.

"I suppose it would be rather hard for her parents to not be physically able to hold their daughter again," Snow Spear said.

"One thing I have wondered about since Foxfire somehow brought Kurietta back from the dead--how did she get her body back?" Smoke Fire asked.

"Maybe it had something to do with the spell-prayer that Mistress Starfire used to bind them together all that time ago," Brown Leaf suggested, "after all, they never did actually find her body...surely they would have been able to scent it out or find some trace after the waters receded."

"I don't know, flash floods are nothing to mess with, Brown Leaf. From what they said, it took a good portion of Kurietta's village and quite a few of the people. Still, maybe her body was held some way or another by that spell-prayer--she may have gone body and all into the Spirit World as far as we know, but that's something only Mistress Starfire or maybe one of the other First Ones would likely know," Snow Spear said.

"She's pretty good looking for having been dead so long," Smoke Fire quipped, causing Brown Leaf to smack her cousin on his shoulder. "Hey! What did you do that for?" Smoke Fire asked, rubbing the spot where she hit him.

"Be nice, tail-for-brains!" Brown Leaf scolded.

"He's right, though, Brown Leaf...it's no wonder why no one ever seemed able to get Sire Grimm Tooth's attention, not if he's been carrying a torch for her all of this time. And Mistress Fire Weaver is right--they do have something really special and I'm happy for them," Night Song said.

"Hey, ya little fur ball, how'd ya manage to drop that flower in Misty's lap the other day?" Kurietta asked her sister's spirit as she, Grimm and Foxfire were munching on some of their rations and talking to her family.

"Just something we can do here, I guess...give ya little reminders or hints when ya need it, just like when ma dropped that little thing on ya back home," Meri's spirit replied.

Kurietta fished out the little carving that Grimm had made from the hidden pocket in the tunic she was wearing and held it up.

"How did you end up with it? I had placed that on the old tribal boundary marker and it disappeared," Grimm asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um, well...it was given to us," the spirit of Elretta said as she looked hesitantly to her mate.

"Given? How? By who?" Grimm asked.

"Can't really tell you that...just that ya were heard and we...woke Kuri up because ya finally made it back. We'd been watching and waiting for ya for a long time, dear," Elretta's spirit said.

"Whatcha mean that ya had to wake me up, ma?" Kurietta asked, being rather surprised to hear that.

"Well...ya were in a kinda special sleep for all that time, just lying there all peaceful like, and nothing could mess with ya until Grimm came back, bringing his little sister with him. I don't understand it, that's just what I know about it," the spirit of Elretta explained as best as she could.

"I think I can help you a little with that," Foxfire piped up. "Mother explained to me that the spell-prayer she had woven on you and Grimmie, kept your body and spirit bound together so where one went, the other went, too. Mother told me that you fought to the very end, even as the cold water took the last of your strength the only thing on your mind and in your heart of being was trying to get to Grimmie. At the instant of transition, you were taken body and spirit into the Spirit Realm, where you slept until I was born and got skilled enough to bring you back. Mother made it so that I would be the bridge to bring you two together again," she explained.

Kurietta was in tears as she listened to Foxfire, as she recalled the memories of that fateful night; even Grimm himself was struggling to keep his composure at learning of Kurietta's final moments in her previous life, fighting to survive, desperately trying to get back to him. He reached out and pulled Kurietta towards him, hugging her with his huge arms...and a single tear ran down his stoic face unchecked. It didn't take magical abilities to sense the strong emotions from Kurietta, Grimm and even from the spirits of her family--all anyone had to do was look at their faces.

"I'm sorry, Grimmie and Kuri...I thought maybe it would help you understand things a little better," Foxfire said with a heavy heart.

Grimm looked up to see his little sister looking quite sad at the ground and a second tear flowed from his eye, this time for her--to see his normally bubbly sister with such a sad look on his face pained him so.

"Foxfire...?" Grimm said reaching a hand out to his sister.

She looked up and he motioned with his fingers for her to come over to him so that he could hold her too. Foxfire took his hand and scooted over close to her brother and he held her with his other arm and kissed her on the top of her head.

"Foxfire, please, don't be sad because you told us that. You were right; we did need to hear it, even if it was something that we'd rather not. It does help to explain some things. It's best to know the truth, no matter how painful it might be, than to live with questions that are never answered. That part of our lives can now be put behind us. We can get on with living again...as we were meant to do," Grimm said.

"But Grimmie, you know I would never do anything to hurt you...," Foxfire started to say, but Grimm put his finger to her mouth to hush her.

"And you never have, my dear sister. The how and why of what happened is no longer that important...you've done everything you set out to do and more on this quest. You've helped a lot of people along the way, and you have helped us have another chance, Foxfire...we both would be lost if it wasn't for you. Words can't say how much I'm proud of you, just know that I am, and that I love you," Grimm said gently.

"And me, too, Foxie!" Kurietta said, reaching up to put her own arm around Foxfire and kiss her on the cheek.

"You really mean that?" Foxfire asked Kurietta.

"Ya betcha, girl!" Kurietta replied enthusiastically, still sniffling.

"Group hug!" the spirit of Meri exclaimed and both she and her parents all moved close and put their arms around Grimm, Kurietta and Foxfire (even if, being spirits, they couldn't physically).

After a bit of time passed, the rest of us finally got around to having something to eat. We had just started to eat when we heard a howl of greeting that was very close. Mother and I smiled broadly at each other in the nearly dark evening--there was absolutely no mistaking whose howl that was! Mother nodded her head for me to answer, so I stood up and howled a greeting of my own. Everyone's attention turned to the sound of two dark shapes coming towards us.

"Ayooo! Mist Runner, you young cub! Fancy meeting you out here!" one of the two shapes called out.

Ayooo! By the moon's light, it's good to see you again, Sire!"

We happily greeted each other and then I greeted Grimm's sire, "Sire Night Blaze, it's good to see you, too! Grimm and Foxfire are right over there...with Kurietta and her family," I said pointing in their direction.

"Greetings, Mist Runner! Been keeping my boy out of trouble?" Night Blaze asked, squinting one eye as he looked at me.

"More or less, Sire," I said with a grin.

He broke out into a smile and said, "Well, I guess that's good enough, knowing you two pups."

We walked the short distance back to the rest of the group and everyone stood up to greet Sky Splitter and Night Blaze.

Father and mother greeted each other in a very archaic way that First Ones like themselves often used. They circled around once always facing one another intently, like a predator facing a potential opponent. Then they stepped towards one another and sniffed each other's neck just below the ear, and then nuzzled one another after accepting their scent before they finally hugged and kissed.

"It is a joy to smell your scent again, my love," father said to mother as they held one another.

"Your touch brings happiness, my dear heart," mother said smiling slyly.

They nuzzled one another one more time and then father greeted Red Moon.

"Ah, Red Moon...it's so good to see you again, dear! I hear that you let Mist Runner talk you into becoming bond mates...he must have done something pretty special to be so convincing," he said as he gave Red Moon a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"It's good to see you again, Sire! Yeah, he did...he gave me this...," she said as she held up the pendant that I had given her.

"Hmm, it's a little dark to see it really well...but, I have just the thing," he said as he fished something out of his pouch.

Father quietly uttered a sharp word and the object in his hand began to glow, producing a fair amount of light. It was a glow cube, a magical device that, when activated by a command word, would glow brightly enough to read by in a totally dark room.

"Now then, let's take a look at it...," father said holding the glow cube so that he could properly see the pendant it its light. "Well, I'll be...Fire Weaver, have you seen what our son has given Red Moon?" he asked mother.

"I've noticed it, but have not had the opportunity to take a closer look," she replied.

"Then come and see, my love, for this is no ordinary bauble!" father said excitedly. Mother came closer and carefully held the pendant in her hand and they both looked at it closely, noticing every detail.

"Oh, by the way dear, there is one little thing about that which I didn't mention to you is that I took a few strands of our long fur and had them woven together into a circle and then had it encased within the gold," I mentioned to Red Moon.

"That's so sweet, dear!" she said putting her arm around my waist and giving me a squeeze. Mother turned the pendant around to look at the back and she noticed the poem that I had inscribed. She and father both read it, looked at each other and then at me.

"I know, I'm no poet, but...," I said and then mother interjected,

"...But it came from your heart of being, my son, and that is what's important."

Father nodded his head as he peered closer at the stone, and said, "She's right, son."

Mother noticed his curiosity with the stone so she slid it into his hand to hold.

"Red Moon, did Mist Runner tell you anything else about this by chance?" he said after a few moments, looking up from it.

"No...not really," she said.

"Ever since I met that High Cleric on my way home from making my yearly trades, there just hasn't been much time for Red Moon and I to spend alone," I said.

Mother and father glanced at each other and then father closed his eyes, and while holding the pendant, whispered ancient words. Red Moon's pendant and chain shimmered with a strong glow for a few moments before it died away.

"As I suspected," father said quietly, rubbing his chin. He gently laid the pendant back against Red Moon's chest and grinned. He saw the puzzled look on Red Moon's face and said, "It's magical, alright. I trust that you were going to tell her sometime?"

I nodded my head and grinned.

"Mist Runner...what does this thing do?" Red Moon asked cautiously.

"Do you know much about fire stones, dear?" father asked Red Moon.

"No, other than I've never seen one this big before," she replied.

"They're usually associated with life and healing, though they can have other properties related to the Essence of Fire," mother said.

"Mist Runner certainly loves you very much, dear, to give you so precious a gift--he wouldn't give such a thing to just anyone," father said with a big grin.

Red Moon looked at the pendant around her neck and ran her fingers over it slowly, and then looked up and as she slid her arm around me she said lovingly, "I couldn't ask for a better mate than him."

"You must be Dahmietra," father said as he greeted her, "Fire Weaver has told me of you, and the impression that you have made on everyone, including my cousin, Spirit Feather."

Dahmietra's eyes widened a bit upon learning that Mist Runner was also related to Spirit Feather. Father, of course, noticed her reaction but said nothing. He gave Dahmietra a hug and held her close for a few moments.

"You certainly are a beautiful child, and with such a good, strong character, too! I am happy to finally meet you in person, my dear," father said and gave Dahmi a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you...," Dahmietra blushed in embarrassment, from both the compliment and not knowing exactly how to refer to him as. He cocked his head a little to one side as he regarded her, and then he knelt down on one knee before Dahmi.

"What would you call a father's father, child?" father asked gently.

"Um, 'grandda'...in Common," Dahmietra said a little nervously.

He smiled and stroked her hair and said, "Then you may call me that, my granddaughter."

Dahmietra closed her eyes and gave my sire a strong hug, "I never knew my own grandparents...they died in The Wastelands shortly after I was born, from what I remember being told."

"Well, my dear child, you shall have a proper family again...even if we are furry," father said to her with a smile.

Dahmietra pulled back and looked at him in wonder, "Mist Runner said the same thing almost half a moon ago! How did you...?"

"You better get used to it, Dahmi, he's got a knack for doing that," I said grinning.

"And you will find that Mist Runner is a lot like his sire, Dahmietra," mother said with a knowing smile on her face, "isn't that right, Red Moon?"

"That he is, Mistress," Red Moon agreed, smiling as well.

Warri stood politely and quietly to the side, in a respectfully submissive posture since he was still technically a juvenile and in the presence of not only adults, but also First Ones--all of whom he was not yet related to by some means or another. Sky Splitter was quite aware of Warri's presence, though he greeted each of us more or less in the usual order: mate and immediate family, extended family, friends and then others by whatever ranking they had. Mother had given me permission to make first greeting mostly due to the fact she is always in contact with her mate through the bond-link they share, and since it had been fifty turns of the seasons since I last saw my sire or had any contact with him.

"And who do we have here, my dear?" Sky Splitter asked Fire Weaver as he indicated towards Warri (even though he actually already knew who Warri was through his mate).

"This is Warri, of The Lake Clans, from the village of Bridge Rock Cove," she said making the introduction.

"Ah, the young apprentice lad you mentioned," father said.

"The same," mother said. Warri dropped to one knee and lowered his head as my sire approached him.

"I hear that you and my granddaughter are quite good friends, young Warri," Sky Splitter said.

"Yes, Sire," Warri said, keeping his head lowered.

"And has my son and his mate given their permission for these two to be together?" he asked.

"We have, Sire," I replied.

Sky Splitter nodded his head thoughtfully, and asked Fire Weaver, "And what do you think of this, dear?"

Fire Weaver stroked Warri's head between his ears and said, "I am quite fond of this one; I have no objection to these two being together if that is their wish."

Sky Splitter smiled, and then asked Dahmietra, "And how do you feel about being with this lad, Dahmietra?"

While she was somewhat perplexed about Sky Splitter's attitude towards Warri, she had to remind herself that the ways of Mist Runner's people are going to be a lot different from what she was used to. At the same time, Dahmietra was elated that she was having a say in her own life for once, unlike when she was living at the enclave and everything was decided for her by someone else. Dahmietra wasn't quite sure about what the "proper" form was that she should voice her response, but she did know how she felt about Warri, so she followed her heart of being's own council. Dahmi knelt down beside Warri on his right side, putting her arms around his shoulders.

"Grandda, although I may not know much of the ways of the world, I know that in my heart of being I love Warri--as a friend of my mind, of my heart of being...and, if he would have me one day, of my body," she said.

Dahmietra gently put one hand on his chin, turned his head so that she could meet his eyes, and then she kissed him tenderly on the lips.

Sky Splitter widened his eyes and smiled broadly, "Well then, by all means, you may--and should--follow your heart of being, Dahmietra, wherever it may lead you. And as for you, young Warri, it seems that you are well received by our family and, if it be the desire of both of you to be together, then you may certainly do so as far as I am concerned. I imagine that you have not yet had the opportunity to speak with your own family of this matter, but when you are able to they will know that you have the blessing of our family to pursue a relationship with Dahmietra. Of course, certain...activities...must wait until you both go through the rite of Coming of Age, as is our custom, though you two are certainly both intelligent and disciplined enough to wait just a little longer."

"Thank you, Sire. I do love Dahmietra--as a friend of my mind, of my heart of being...and, if she would have me, of my body. We will certainly honor our customs and wait as we should," Warri said sincerely, and then kissed Dahmietra in return.

Red Moon and I hugged each other and knew that both of our intuitions were correct about Dahmietra, and about Warri, too. With both of my parent's acceptance of Dahmietra, no one else in our clan would be able to challenge Red Moon's and I petition to formally adopt her and bring Dahmi into the clan. Dahmietra and Warri both had openly declared not only their love for one another, but also their desire to be together in front of our family and friends. With no one objecting to it, they had our blessings and were free to more deeply explore their relationship, providing that they followed the one rule that custom demanded: they had to wait until they both were considered to be "of age" before they could mate. The Coming of Age rite will be held in just about one moon's time. Of course, Warri's own parents and family will still have their say in the matter, but until they can be contacted and the matter discussed among them, Warri has the approval of at least one of the Lore Masters.

When Night Blaze approached his son and daughter, they and Kurietta stood up to greet him. The spirits of Kurietta's family also stood and they were again strangely illuminated as before when Fire Weaver had spoken to them.

"Greetings, my son!" Night Blaze said enthusiastically as he gave Grimm a strong hug, slapping him on the back.

Grimm was just returning his sire's greeting when he put his arms around him.

"Si...umpf...re." Grimm's sire is nearly as large as he is, though he does have a reputation for being one of the strongest of our people, and unlike Grimm, Night Blaze tends to be more boisterous (hence Fire Weaver asking Sky Splitter to remind him to be careful when greeting Kurietta).

"Ho! My little Foxfire!" Night Blaze exclaimed as he saw his daughter. He picked her up effortlessly as if she was still a little cubling and gave her a hug, though at the last possible instant, he remembered to not hug too tightly. "Did you miss me, my little sweet fur?" Night Blaze asked.

"Hi, Sire! Um, I kinda need...to breathe...if you don't mind," Foxfire said trying to catch her breath.

"Oh, certainly my dear," he said as he set her back down on her feet. Kurietta watched with not a little dismay at not only Night Blaze's size, but also his apparent strength and enthusiasm.

"Oh, frazzleberries! He's gonna squish me!" Kurietta thought to herself when she saw Foxfire grimace.

Night Blaze then fixed his attention on Kurietta, "Ah, you must Grimm's special lady that I've heard so much about, Kuri...etta, is it?" he said with a big grin.

Kurietta cringed a little as Night Blaze reached for her, but then Grimm clamped a hand on his sire's arm and held firmly, giving his sire a stern look and said, "Gently...Sire."

Night Blaze looked at Grimm's hand on his arm, then at Grimm, and then at Kurietta. He quickly noted her size and that Grimm was being rather protective of her.

After a moment, Night Blaze said, "Of course, my son...," he smiled and patted Grimm's hand.

Grimm nodded his head once, slowly, and then withdrew his hand from his sire's arm. Night Blaze knelt down before Kurietta and held his hand out to her.

"I am Grimm's and Foxfire's sire, Night Blaze. I'm happy to finally meet you, dear; I'm sure my son cares about you a great deal," he said with a smile on his face.

Kurietta reached out, took his hand, and greeted him, "Hi. Yah, it's 'Kurietta'. Oh, and this is my family...they're here, but kinda not really. This is my da, Elmric, my ma, Elretta, and my little sis, Meri," Kurietta said introducing her family to Night Blaze.

"Ah, welcome to The Great Forest!" he said as he reached out to each of them. Out of a lifetime of habit they each took his hand in turn, only to realize that they wouldn't actually be able to touch anyone since they were spirits...but then they were surprised that they could actually feel Night Blaze's hand touch theirs.

"Hey, that's just like when Misty's ma touched us a while ago!" Meri exclaimed.

"Meri, show a bit more respect, will ya? He's a First One, too!" her mother said in hushed tones.

Night Blaze laughed and gently patted Meri on the shoulder.

"It's okay, I don't stand too much on formalities like some," he said smiling to the spirit of Elretta.

Sky Splitter and Night Blaze greeted the rest of our group and then we all sat around catching up on what has been going on, telling stories, and so forth until it got very late. Dahmietra tried her best to stay awake, but she fell asleep with her head on Red Moon's lap. Kurietta likewise was getting very sleepy, and snuggled up with Grimm.

"Well, I see that it must be very late," father said looking at Dahmietra and Kurietta, "perhaps everyone should get some rest. We'll watch over you tonight while you sleep," father said to the whole group.

We picked where we wanted to unroll our bedrolls at and then settled down for the night. Sleeping on the ground is not the same as sleeping in your own bed, though for the first time in just over half a moon we were back into The Great Forest where we did not have to worry about anyone or any thing coming after us. For the most part, I think everyone--with the exception of my parents and Night Blaze--slept fairly soundly. It was a nice night, though a little cooler than it had been, so Dahmietra stayed snuggled up in her bedroll next to Warri. When we awoke the next morning, it was just about sunrise. The first thing I noticed was that mother was gone, though my sire and Night Blaze were still with us. When I inquired about her, father said that she went back to our village to let everyone know that we would arrive home in two more days. We took care of the usual morning necessities, ate, packed up our belongings, and headed out.

As we walked throughout the day, I had noticed that Dahmietra was walking at a better pace than the first time we walked through The Forest together. For nearly one moon, she's had more physical activity than she ever had prior to our meeting and it was beginning to show. She appeared to have lost a little weight, but she also looked to be in better shape, too. Ever since we arrived at the location for The Gathering, Dahmietra had started exercising with Kurietta who had been trying to teach her the ancient Skunatii style of fighting. Dahmietra had also been teaching Kurietta the Common Tongue, and the two seemed to be not only making progress on both counts, but they also seemed to be becoming good friends as well. Dahmietra seemed to be curious about everything, and I was glad that she was following my earlier advice about just asking if she didn't know about something. While Dahmietra didn't quite have Kurietta's bold, outgoing personality, she didn't hesitate to ask about something in her usual quiet and gently curious manner. Sometimes she would ask Red Moon about certain plants, or she might ask either Brown Leaf or Snow Spear about animal tracks she had seen. In the afternoon Dahmietra quietly slipped alongside my sire while we were walking and took hold of his hand. When he glanced down at her, she just looked up and smiled, saying nothing. Sky Splitter smiled back at Dahmietra and he seemed content that the two of them were walking along together even though they had just met the night before.

"Did you see anything interesting in the south world, grandda?" Dahmietra asked after a while.

"Oh, we saw several wondrous sights during our travels, my dear. There were large birds that we saw several of once. Their wingspans were easily as wide as the two of us lying on the ground, feet to feet, with our arms stretched out above our heads. Their feathers reflected the sunlight in a way such that they seemed to be alight with the colors of a rainbow when they flew, and they had the most beautiful song that you could ever imagine. One place we visited was in a mountain range--there was one very steep and very narrow wooded valley that people had made a small city on either side of it. They had carved out terraces and built their homes and shops into the sides of the valley, with bridges crossing from one side to the other--it was quite remarkable, especially at night with the lamps lit. And there was a bay that we had found where the sand was as white as newly fallen snow and the water was a clear blue color, and it was warm enough to swim in. That was rather enjoyable," he replied.

"I don't know how to swim," Dahmietra said with a bit of a grimace.

"Oh? Do you feel uneasy around bodies of water, dear?" Sky Splitter asked.

Dahmietra nodded her head and said, "I've never been around a lot of water before, until we went by boat to The Gathering and back. When I looked over the side once and saw things swimming down in the water, that made me feel kind of scared," she replied.

Sky Splitter thought for a moment and then said, "I suppose that's understandable, dear. The S'ahlchyet say that there are some dangerous animals that live in the seas, and once upon a time there used to be some very large animals who lived in lakes that you would not want to meet up with, but they have been gone a very, very long time now. The world is a vastly different place now than it was when Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth were born. But, I can understand why you might not feel comfortable around rivers and such, since you were born in The Wastelands where water is not very plentiful."

Dahmietra nodded her head thoughtfully.

"Who are those people you mentioned?" Dahmietra asked.

"The S'ahlchyet?" Sky Splitter asked.

Dahmietra nodded her head.

"They are one of the Elder Races, like us, though they live in the seas--that is their domain. They do come ashore at times, to bask in the warm sun or to trade for things, and to learn of what goes on elsewhere in the world. They have been known by other names as well by those who work near or on the seas, though that is their proper name," Sky Splitter said.

"Have you seen them before?" Dahmietra asked.

"Oh, yes, many times, my dear. They are a charming people once they let you get to know them. They tend to be shy and aloof around people they don't know, though they have helped many a sailor or fisherman in peril to return to land safely," he replied.

"That's mighty nice of them to help people like that," Dahmietra said.

"All of the Elder Races value and protect life, my dear," Sky Splitter said with a gentle smile.

"How many Elder Races are there?" Dahmietra asked out of curiosity.

"There are five in total, though soon in the days ahead you will learn much more about us, the world, and also about yourself," Sky Splitter replied.

Dahmietra thought for a moment and then asked, "Is that what grandma meant when she said that Kurietta and I will both 'take the journey of the heart _to_the Heart'?"

Sky Splitter smiled and replied, "When you undergo the rite of Coming of Age, you will take_your_ first step on that journey, Dahmietra. Kurietta has already taken her first step, albeit quite some time ago. You both are very special, more than perhaps you know...and both of you will undoubtedly be changed by your experiences. In what ways, no one can tell, for not even Starfire is allowed to see that. All I can say for now is that you should trust your heart of being, listen to it carefully, and it will guide you truly." Sky Splitter hugged Dahmietra and stroked her head.

"Gee, Grimmster, yer da is a pretty big guy...strong, too," Kurietta said at almost a whisper as they walked along.

"Yes, he is," Grimm replied quietly.

"When I saw him hug ya and Foxie, I thought I was gonna be turned into berry jam!" she said still almost whispering.

Grimm smiled and very slightly shook his head in amusement at Kurietta's choice of words.

"He does tend to be...enthusiastic," Grimm said quietly.

Suddenly Kurietta stopped in her tracks and started sniffing the air. Grimm saw the look on her face as she sniffed, and then remembered that look just as she exclaimed, "Berries!" and took off at a run, following her nose. Grimm rolled his eyes and momentarily hung his head and slowly shook it--if there was anything that a Skunatii had a weakness for, it was for sweet, ripe berries.

I looked at Grimm and chuckled, "I guess her sweet tooth is acting up again." Grimm looked back at me and asked, "When doesn't it?"

"You got a point there, Grimm. I guess you'd better fetch her before she eats the whole patch; we'll wait for you here," I said.

Grimm nodded his head once and set off to get Kurietta. A few hundred paces away there was point where two small ravines came together at, and on top of the point there was a sizeable patch of night berries--so called because they turn a very deep shade of purple when they are ripe, the juice has the consistency of honey and is nearly as sweet. Kurietta nearly pounced with glee on the low bushes that the night berries grew on, and just as she was about to start picking them she stopped with her hand just shy of touching one because she remembered what was said about The Forest being "aware" in its own way. She suddenly became a little nervous and looked around at the trees, bushes and other plants nearby.

"Um, ya guys aren't going to get mad at me if I pick some berries, are ya?" she asked aloud.

"Only if you inhale the entire patch," said a deep, rumbling voice.

Kurietta nearly jumped out of her fur--for a moment, she thought the ground itself had just spoken to her.

"Great homping frazzleberries, Grimmster! Ya about scared me half to death!" Kurietta exclaimed while trying to catch her breath.

Grimm stood there a short distance away with a sly grin on his face.

"Mist Runner was concerned that you might eat too many at once," Grimm said with a chuckle.

Kurietta picked herself up off the ground, brushed the leaf litter off, and then put her hands on her hips.

"Oh, he_did_, eh?" she said as she started to tap her foot.

"Kurietta...," Grimm started to say, arching an eyebrow slightly.

"What?" Kurietta asked indignantly.

"...would you like me to help you pick some of those berries?" he finished asking in a calm voice.

Kurietta stopped tapping her foot upon seeing the look on Grimm's face, slumped her shoulders and lowered her ears a bit.

"Yah...okay. Um, the bush ain't gonna grab me or somethin' will it?" she asked a bit more quietly and with a hint of concern.

"Not likely...though some bushes might be more cantankerous than others," Grimm said with a slight smirk.

"I hope this one isn't...hey! Are ya pullin' my tail, Grimmster?" Kurietta demanded, putting her hands on her hips again and getting a pouty look on her face.

"Only if you're wiggling it in my face," Grimm said with a nearly expressionless look.

Kurietta cocked her head a bit to one side and furrowed her eyebrows as if in deep thought.

After a moment she said, "Grimmster! Get yer mind outta the gully for a moment, will ya? Time enough for that when we get to your place!"

She got her usual quirky grin on her face and then Grimm asked innocently, "I thought we just came here to get some berries?"

But then he cracked a grin and she wagged her finger at him, saying, "You've been hangin' around Misty too long, ya know that?"

"Longer than you know, my dear," Grimm replied still grinning. "Now, shall we gather a few berries? The others are waiting for us," Grimm added.

When they came back after a short while, Kurietta was smacking her lips as she slowly ate the large, succulent berries.

"Oh, geez, these things are so good!" Kurietta said almost purring.

"What are they?" Dahmietra asked looking curiously at the berries that Kurietta and Grimm had picked and brought back.

"They're called night berries--it's because of their color when ripe. They're sweet, and the juice is thick like honey. Try one?" I offered, handing one to Dahmietra.

She looked at it closely, sniffed it, and before biting into it she asked, "Are you sure these are safe for me to eat?"

"They should be, dear, we enjoy them from time to time when we find them," Red Moon said.

"That might not mean that I could eat them, though. Our bodies are different, so what might be okay for you to eat could be poisonous to me, and the other way around," Dahmietra cautioned. "There are berries that I know of that are very poisonous to Wastelanders and Eastlanders alike, yet animals eat them and don't seem harmed by them," she added.

"She does have a point, Dam...there are things that we either can't or won't eat, yet certain other animals will eat without hesitation," Warri said.

"Well, we certainly don't want to give you something that would make you sick, dear," Red Moon said with concern.

"I guess to be safe, let's save some and take them back with us and then you can try one while my dam watches to see if they're okay for you or not, that way if they turn out to be something that you shouldn't eat, she can keep it from making you ill," I suggested.

Dahmietra agreed to that, so we found something to wrap up some of the berries in and took them with us.

About sunset, we stopped for the night and had our evening meal, consisting of the rations we had. We decided that as soon as it got light enough in the morning for both Dahmietra and Kurietta to see, we would set out for the last part of the way to our village. The spirits of Kurietta's family made their appearance and we sat around and talked. The spirit of Meri came over to me and chatted for a bit--and we made a little discovery: when she approached me, she seemed to become illuminated much the same way as when my parents or Night Blaze was close, although not quite as brightly.

"Meri, when you are looking at either me or Grimm, how do you see us? Anything like when my mother first talked to you last night?" I asked.

"Gee, Misty...ya do have a strong glow around ya, maybe not like your ma and da, but it's there," she looked a little closer and added, "wow, that's somethin'...ya got little sparkly things floatin' around ya!" She held out her hand and said, "See if ya can touch me."

I raised an eyebrow and reached my hand out to hers while Red Moon and the others watched. When our hands came together, I could feel a resistance along with a slight tingling sensation--and I could also sense her feelings as if she were a living person.

Meri's eyes widened at the sensation and she said, "Misty! That's...really...strange! I can feel ya touchin' me, and there's somethin' else...oh, frazzleberries! Ya can tell what I'm feelin', can't ya?"

I nodded my head as everyone was looking at me. Father immediately took an interest in this discovery.

"You can physically feel her spirit form as well as sense her feelings?" he asked.

"It seems so, Sire...I didn't think it would work, but I can definitely feel a resistance when I touched her hand, and it tingled, too. I could sense what she was feeling, but only while we touched," I said.

"That's remarkable, son. Grimm Tooth, have you tried doing this?" he asked out of curiosity.

"No Sire, I haven't, but I could try if you wish," Grimm replied.

"I would be interested if you can as well, Grimm," father replied.

The spirit of Meri walked over to Grimm and as she did so, she was illuminated again, as when she was next to me. Meri held her hand out to Grimm and he reached out to see if he could feel her touch or if his hand would just pass through hers.

"Gee, I can feel ya, too, Grimmster...and it tingles a bit like when Misty touched me, though a bit differently," she said with a surprised look on her face.

"That is very interesting, you both seem to be able to make some level of physical contact with a spirit, but you are not able to, is that correct Kurietta?" Sky Splitter asked.

Kurietta and Meri tried to touch one another, but Meri's hand passed right through Kurietta's without either feeling anything.

"Nope, can't feel a thing...might as well just be wavin' my hand through the air," Kurietta said with a hint of sadness in her voice.

The rest of our group got involved and each tried. Dahmietra, like Kurietta, couldn't feel anything, though the idea of being able to actually see and speak with real spirits was rather unsettling to her. Warri thought he felt a little something, though while his hand was passing through Meri's hand he could hear what she was thinking (he didn't tell anyone then that he also "saw" something about Meri, like a vision of her in the past). Red Moon tried and felt some resistance, though she thought it felt like having her hand in water. Brown Leaf, Night Song, and Snow Spear seemed to have been able to feel a vague sensation, but to Foxfire Meri seemed as solid as everyone else was.

"Well, that is interesting indeed," Sky Splitter said, filing the information away in his mind for future study.

Kurietta sat down by Grimm and seemed rather sad.

"What's wrong, dear?" he asked quietly.

"Everybody else gets to feel my family's touch, but me," she said sniffling.

Grimm put his arm around Kurietta's shoulders and held her for a few moments before asking, "Foxfire is there any way that Kurietta could feel their touch, even for just a little while?"

"Gee, Grimmie...I don't know. Mother never said anything about being able to do that. Maybe we can ask her when we get home if there's a way to," she replied.

Grimm nodded his head and said to Kurietta, "If there is a way, then we shall try to find it."

Kurietta buried her face into Grimm's fur and said between sniffles, "I hope so!"

Sky Splitter motioned to Night Blaze that he wished to speak in private, so they walked a short distance away from everyone and sat together on a fallen log.

"Little Kurietta sure seems to miss being with her family, doesn't she?" Night Blaze asked quietly.

"Yes, poor girl. The Skunatii have always had very strong family and tribal ties, and though I sense that she loves your son so much that she would risk her own life for his without hesitation, she also loves her family just as strongly and greatly misses being with them," Sky Splitter said softly.

"It seems that their love for her and my Grimm has been strong enough to keep them from continuing along their path around The Great Circle so that they could still be together even yet," Night Blaze observed, as he tugged his ear in thought.

"Aye my friend, at least ten thousand turns of the seasons they have waited and hoped for Kurietta and Grimm to be reunited," Sky Splitter agreed.

"Grimm has never been quite the same since he lost Kurietta. I know he blamed himself for failing to save her, and his heart of being has had such a heavy weight on it since that if it wasn't for little Foxfire, Mist Runner and Red Moon trying to keep some cheer in his life...," Night Blaze said, trailing off and slowly shaking his head, not wanting to finish the thought.

"It has weighed heavily on Mist Runner as well...he shared with us in great detail what he knew, and felt, and there has not been a single rising of the moon since that he has not felt Grimm's pain or his own for that matter. Mist Runner has also shared with us his experiences and feelings when Kurietta was brought back. He also cares very deeply for her, but differently than Grimm does," Sky Splitter said.

"Mist Runner has totally devoted himself to Red Moon, and she to him...but then my little Foxfire still has a lamp burning for him," Night Blaze said slowly shaking his head.

"I wouldn't doubt that the three of them end up working something out; Red Moon is Foxfire's best friend and she's always seems to be understanding where Foxfire's feelings are concerned, though if it had been anyone else vying for Mist Runner's attention, I don't doubt that Red Moon would be on them in an instant. She's a sweet and loveable female, but she has a strong desire to protect what's hers, if you know what I mean," Sky Splitter said with a little grin.

"Must be the red fur...," Night Blaze teased.

Sky Splitter chuckled, knowing who his friend was alluding to.

"Ha, I don't think Mashera has ever been able to forget that incident! How long ago was that?"

"Longer than any of us would want to try counting," Night Blaze said shaking his head with a little grin.

The two First Ones were silent for several moments as they watched Grimm, Foxfire, Kurietta and the spirits of her family together, as well as the others.

"Is there anything that could be done for little Kurietta, or do you think that they should just accept things as they are?" Night Blaze asked.

Sky Splitter rubbed his chin as he thought how best to answer his friend.

"I suppose it would be best if we first find out the circumstances behind the deaths of Kurietta's family, and perhaps as well as what happened to Grimm and Kurietta long ago, and then share this information with the others," he said after a moment.

"Want me to ask Starfire?" Night Blaze offered.

"When the opportunity avails itself, perhaps you should. If their spirits are going to among us for a while, we should get to know them...after all, they are soon to become part of your family, my friend," Sky Splitter said with a bit of a grin.

Eventually we settled down for the night while Sky Splitter and Night Blaze sat and talked quietly with each other as well as their mates through their bond-links. When the first hint of light was entering The Forest in the east, we awoke and started our day. When all was ready, we struck out on the last leg of our trip home. It was a cool mist filled morning, the air was still, and scented heavily of wood and fern and moss. To Dahmietra this was a place of legends come to life, full of wonder...a place that she would now call home. So different it is from the lands of her birth, which are hot, dry and full of sand and burning rock; where plants were few and prickly, growing only near the few wells and springs that were to be found in the arid Wastelands. Here there was an abundance of all manner of life--a hundred paces in any direction contained more living things than might be found in a hundred leagues in the lands of her ancestors. Water, too, was plentiful, with springs and pools, small streams of clear cold water. Small birds sang their morning songs, while larger ones cawed or hooted, keeping watchful eyes on all that moved. If she had been anyone else of her people, she would be terrified at the closeness of the trees, which to her people would seem to reach and grab...but to Dahmietra, her green eyes drinking in the sights that mirrored their color, she felt more alive than she ever had in all of her fourteen turns of the seasons. To her, the trees seemed to touch gently, caressing and welcoming her into their midst. In her heart of being, she felt a gladness that she had not known before and she shared that with Warri as they walked together hand-in-hand. For the past twenty days, she had journeyed with the company that had set out from Hope's Spring, led by Mist Runner, her sworn protector and now soon-to-be adoptive sire and she had seen much and done more than she had dreamed thus far. Yet, she also knew, that her real journey was just beginning--where this new path would lead her, she did not know. One thing she was certain of, was that she had a family once again--even if they were furry--and friends, too, that would stand beside her through whatever may come. One thing Dahmietra had not expected when she first set out from the enclave with Mist Runner nearly two moons ago was falling in love with someone. She had originally thought that she would be brought before the Grand Council of Elders and haggled over like a trinket, and end up living out a miserable life with a man more than twice her age. Little did she know that she would end up meeting a young lad of a completely different race--and an immortal one to boot--and then fall in love with him. And now here she was, walking together with that same young lad and in the company of First Ones no less! She smiled to herself and slightly shook her head at how strangely things turned out, not that she particularly minded of course.

Kurietta had awakened this morning with a start--she had dreamed of That Night, the night when the flash flood hit her village and ended up taking her from her family, friends and loved ones. She woke just after remembering the pain of being struck by something hard and getting carried away by the cold raging water, of fighting to keep her head above it, only to feel her body and mind slipping away into unconsciousness and darkness. The last thing she remembered was a bright white light in which she could see a pair of eyes looking at her and a hand reaching to take hold of hers, and a motherly voice that said, "You are safe dear, I have you...sleep now, for a while. When it is time for you to wake up, my son will be beside you. Sleep..." Kurietta sat up straight and looked around. It was still dark in The Great Forest, though the birds were just beginning their early morning songs. Even her light sensitive eyes couldn't see much yet, though she thought she saw...something from the corner of her eye, a glow perhaps? She wasn't sure. She could smell the scents of The Forest around her, and most importantly to her, the scent of her beloved Grimm Tooth who was still resting beside her. Kurietta patted her fur to check to see if it was wet or dry--it was dry of course, it was only a memory, a dream, which had awakened her. She lay back down and pulled the cover of Grimm's cloak over her and snuggled up against him, resting her head on his arm.

Grimm slid his other arm over Kurietta and held her close, whispering as quietly as he could in her ear, "It's okay, my love, you're safe," and then he gave her a gentle lick behind her ear.

She wiggled at the sensation and went back to sleep for a little while longer, grinning contently. When Night Blaze came to wake them, Kurietta stretched luxuriously in Grimm's arms and then rolled over and kissed him.

"Mrrrrrrr! Good morning! How's my big, sweet Grimmster?" she asked lovingly.

"Hungry," Grimm replied as he looked in her eyes with a slight grin.

"Oh? Whatcha hungry for, dear?" Kurietta asked with her quirky grin.

Grimm raised his head a little and looked around discretely before looking her in the eye again.

"Do you really have to ask?" he said quietly with a sly grin.

"Grimmster!" she said in an exasperated whisper as she playfully slapped him on the arm.

The grin on Grimm's face widened a little more as he tenderly caressed Kurietta's face and then gently kissed her.

"_Now_it's a good morning," Grimm said as they nuzzled each other.

They got up and took care of the usual necessities, ate, and gathered up their things. As she walked along, Kurietta's natural curiosity was working overtime--if it hadn't been for Grimm gently insisting that they keep moving, she would have been exploring the wonder of her surroundings. Even though she was born and raised in woods, and had seen a fair amount of territory during the seven turns of the seasons she, Grimm and Mist Runner wandered together, being in The Great Forest was very exciting to her. She had listened to Grimm and Mist Runner talk about it so long ago, and now here she is actually walking in it! The Great Forest is a huge place, covering nearly half of the landmass known as The Howling Lands, which stretches from the frozen northern sea to the tropical mid-world. Skunatii are not generally known to get wanderlust, as they tend to prefer to stay in whatever territory they mark for their own, but then Kurietta always has been an exception in many ways. Her family and friends didn't understand at the time why she wanted to leave home to "see the world" with two that she barely knew, but upon seeing how she was so taken with the one named Grimm Tooth, they knew that there would be no stopping her. Once Kurietta sets her mind to something, she can be one very determined person--which in her case could be both a good thing and a bad thing at times. Kurietta felt generally happy and was glad that she and Grimm would finally be joined, though she really missed having her family_physically_ with her. There were, of course, many other things that she would have to deal with, but those things could wait a little while longer until they got to Hope's Spring and settled in.

Night Song spent her time walking along thinking about two of her favorite subjects: having fun, and with whom. Since she had long ran out of the special potion that Mistress Fire Weaver made up for her to curb certain desires when it was during "that time", she was feeling rather wound up and wanting to lock herself in her den with someone for a few days. Who that might be, didn't matter too much to her at this point.

"I still can't believe that Brown Leaf actually kissed Salzar like she did...the scamp!" Night Song thought to herself as she watched her long-time friend and occasional playmate walk ahead of her.

Smoke Fire was also walking ahead of Night Song, alongside his cousin Brown Leaf.

"If what she said about him is true, then why doesn't the tail-for-brains let me_know that he's interested? Maybe I should just go ahead and ask him,_" she thought.

Night Song thought a little more about it and decided that when she had a good chance to, she would ask Smoke Fire if he would like to spend an evening together and see how it goes. Night Song smiled to herself, satisfied that she would find out finally if Smoke Fire was really interested in her...but then her mind drifted towards thoughts of Fen, and she absentmindedly reached for and started fingering the string of beads that Fen had given her before they departed. Night Song slowly lifted the necklace up to her nose and carefully sniffed--she could still smell Fen's scent on them. Night Song sighed quietly and slowly as she remembered the way Fen touched her face and the way she said how she hoped they would see each other again.

"Now_that _could definitely be interesting...fun, too, no doubt," Night Song thought happily, wagging her tail a little bit.

Red Moon and I walked along hand-in-hand throughout much of the day, enjoying our time together in familiar surroundings and not having to worry about hostile Wastelanders for once. Although we walked at a good pace because we all wanted to get home, we were relaxed and relieved. We stopped for a midmorning break and then again around midday for a quick meal. I could tell that everyone was excited because we were getting near to our village. About mid-afternoon, my sire suggested that I should try calling out to the village to alert them of our return. I called everyone to a halt and hopped up on fallen log, lifting my face, and letting loose with a long howl that was meant to announce our arrival. Almost immediately, there was an answering howl that was quickly joined in by more and more voices as word spread of our return, reaching every den and shop in the village. We did not have much farther to go, perhaps only half an hour's walk until we entered the outskirts of our village. As soon as we were spotted, a call went out and the whole village turned out to greet us, singing a welcoming song, and we gathered in the center of the village to be greeted by everyone with hugs, touches and even a few kisses. Sky Splitter and Night Blaze were appropriately welcomed home after their long journey, and there was much fuss made over both Dahmietra and Kurietta. Dahmietra didn't quite know what to think about all of the attention she was getting, though she accepted all of the hugs and touches and returned them happily. The outpouring of so much affection amazed Kurietta, and the villagers were likewise amazed that she knew how to speak their own language (though she still didn't quite know enough of the Common Tongue yet to say more than short, simple sentences). Grimm introduced Kurietta to everyone they met, though she was having a hard time remembering so many new names at once. Mother, as well as the rest of the Lore Masters, came and greeted us, officially welcoming us back amid many cheers and howls. Suddenly there was a commotion to one side and the crowd started to part, as a bright light seemed to be making its way towards us. Dahmietra and Kurietta both looked wide-eyed in wonder at the approaching light behind the crowd.

Kurietta leaned over to Dahmietra and whispered in her ear, "What's this?"

Dahmi looked at her and shook her head, "I don't know," she whispered back.

When the crowd had totally parted, they noticed that everyone was going down on one knee and bowing their heads...everyone except for Night Blaze, Sky Splitter, and Fire Weaver; the other Lore Masters simply bowed their heads.

When they could finally see the light approach unobstructed, both Dahmietra and Kurietta gasped at what they saw. The light was very bright, and within the light, there was a shape. As it grew closer, the light seemed to coalesce and the shape became more solid and defined, until finally a tall, mature female with thick white fur, black tipped ears and tail, and intense amber eyes appeared. Dahmietra and Kurietta both knew there was something very special about this particular female making such a dramatic appearance. She seemed to be a walking contradiction, in a manner of speaking. This new female seemed at once even more wild in nature than any wild beast, yet also very calm and even regal in the way she carried herself; she exuded the feeling of great power, yet it was power tempered by care and love and the incalculable passage of time. Even though she was quite beautiful and moved with an easy grace, she seemed...old, yet...not. And she was walking slowly and purposely with eyes fixed in the direction she was heading--straight towards Dahmietra and Kurietta!

Dahmietra clung to me as she watched the newcomer head towards us, and I felt her shiver with an unexplained nervousness. The normally fearless Kurietta also clung to Grimm with her eyes showing her own nervousness, not knowing what to expect. Night Blaze stepped out between our group and the newcomer and took a step towards her. They both stopped for a moment, appearing to size each other up, and then circled one another once before moving in to sniff each other's neck, just below the ear.

Shortly thereafter, they nuzzled each other and then she said, "It is a joy to see you again, my beloved."

Night Blaze held her hand up to the end of his snout and gave the back of her hand a gentle lick.

"Your sight and scent fill me with much joy, my dearest love," he said in return.

In his thoughts he said to her, "Quite an entrance, dear." Night Blaze smiled with a merry twinkle in his eye.

"No harm in reminding the youths once in a while of their origins...or their potential," she replied to Night Blaze in her own thoughts, and also with a slight grin.

Night Blaze stepped to one side and held his hand out in a gesture for her to continue. She tilted her head slightly to one side and nodded slowly once and then proceeded towards the rest of us. She approached Grimm first, reaching her hands out for him to take hold. Grimm put his hands into hers and she indicated to him to stand.

She gave Grimm a motherly hug, and said, "Welcome home, my son."

Grimm hugged her back, nuzzled her, and said, "Thank you, my Dam."

Next, she stepped up to Foxfire and held her hands out in the same manner.

The two embraced and nuzzled each other as the elder female said, "You have done exceptionally well, my daughter, I am very proud of you. Welcome home my cubling."

Foxfire smiled shyly and said, "Thank you, mother, I tried to do things just like you showed me."

Kurietta's eyes widened even more at the realization of just who this immensely powerful elder female is--their mother, Mistress Starfire! Kurietta tucked her tail between her legs and dropped her ears while holding her hands together next to her chest, gulping as Grimm's mother looked at her with those wildly intense, penetrating amber eyes.

"You must be my Grimm's beloved, Kurietta," Starfire said more as a statement than as an inquiry.

Suddenly Kurietta saw in her mind an image of a vague form surrounded in a brilliant white light with intense eyes and a pair of hands reaching out to her, and she heard a voice in her head, too, saying, "You are safe now, dear." Kurietta blinked her eyes a few times and saw Grimm's mother holding her hands out to her. "That voice...it was her!" Kurietta thought quickly. She hesitantly reached out and took hold of Starfire's hands.

Starfire smiled and said, "You remember, don't you, my little one?"

Kurietta gulped again and nodded her head. Starfire hugged Kurietta and rocked a little ever so gently, as a mother would comfort her child.

"Be at ease, my dear, you are safe here; you will dream of better things, the past will no longer haunt you," Starfire said gently and then she kissed Kurietta on top of her head.

Instantly she felt relaxed as all of her anxiety melted away. Kurietta looked up at Starfire, perking her ears up, and slowly swishing her tail a little, as a smile formed on her face.

"I am happy to see that you have finally made it here safely, my little one," Starfire said smiling.

"Yah, it kinda took a bit longer that we thought, didn't it, Grimmster?" Kurietta asked as she held her hand out to Grimm.

He took hold of her hand, looked at her with a smile, and said, "That it did."

Starfire then came over to greet me, and then Red Moon, and Dahmietra, giving each of us a hug.

"It is good to see you again, Mist Runner...and you, too, Red Moon," she said.

"It's always good to be home again, Mistress," I said, with Red Moon nodding her head in agreement.

"And you must be Dahmietra...I have heard, and seen, much about you, dear. You are one of the Dahl-Han Wa'ek, aren't you?" Starfire said, as she looked Dahmietra up and down.

Dahmietra was surprised that anyone knew the name that her former people used to call themselves.

"Um, I...was, I guess I'm not anymore, Mistress," Dahmietra replied hesitantly.

"I understand my little one. One path ends and another begins," Starfire said gently. Glancing over towards Red Moon and myself, Starfire added, "You have a good family here now my dear, and plenty of friends, too. And even someone who is very special to you, I see." Starfire looked at Warri and smiled, and held her hands out to him. "Young Warri...I heard that you had quite a time yourself on this little adventure," she said giving Warri a gentle hug.

Warri was quite shocked (and a bit pleased) at the attention that Mistress Starfire showed him.

"I would like to visit with you both tomorrow afternoon...you will be at Mist Runner's and Red Moon's den, I take it?" Starfire asked, giving a quick glance at Dahmietra and then looking directly at Warri with her intense gaze.

Warri shot a look towards Red Moon and I, and I nodded my head slightly once to let him know it was all right to stay with us.

"Y-Yes, Mistress," Warri replied with a bit of embarrassment.

Starfire stroked Warri's head once, slowly running her left hand down behind his right ear and cupping it in her fingers.

"Fire Weaver was right; this poor sweet lad has seen things he should not have at such a tender young age. Thankfully my little Foxfire was able to help him as best as she knew how until Fire Weaver could attend to him. I sense in him much potential...and skills worthy of my teaching. I think I shall keep a close eye on this one, and on his Dahmietra, too. She may not yet know just how special she is," Starfire thought to herself, withdrawing her hand from his ear.

"Well, then," Starfire announced to all present, "let us allow our family and friends to get settled into their own dens and refresh themselves, and then we shall celebrate their safe return this evening."

Howls of joy erupted throughout the gathered villagers as we took our queue to make our way towards our respective dens, with more hugs and touches along the way.

"I don't know about anyone else, but I think a good soak is in order," I said to our group over the cheerful noise of the villagers.

"Sounds good to me, Sire," Night Song said with a grin.

"Me, too," agreed Brown Leaf.

"That's sounds like a good idea," Snow Spear added. "

That sounds wonderful!" Dahmietra exclaimed.

"I will alert the attendants on our way by to expect us," Grimm said.

"I think Kuri's going to be first one in, since she holds the record for having gone the longest without a proper bath," I said with a smirk.

"It'll feel good as long as it's warm...hey! Whadda ya mean by that, Misty?" Kurietta said, putting her fists on her hips and giving me a pouty glare that almost made me laugh.

Grimm first raised an eyebrow and then he started chuckling once he caught on to what I was implying.

"I believe he's pulling your tail again, dear," Grimm said to Kurietta, grinning broadly.

She looked up at Grimm, her expression changing to one of confusion, so he leaned down and whispered something in her ear.

Kurietta's eyes got wide, then narrowed, "Ooo, I oughtta smack ya!" she said pursing her lips and raising her hand as if she was going to slap me.

With a mischievous grin, I leaned down a bit and puckered up.

Red Moon grinned, took a short step back, and held her hands up saying, "I'm staying out of this one!"

Dahmietra covered her mouth with her hand trying to keep from laughing, and Night Song couldn't keep herself from snickering. When Kurietta saw me puckering up for a kiss that just got her even more wound up.

"Misty! Why I...ooo...ya little frizzball! I'm gonna...," and right then, instead of slapping me, she reached up, grabbed my head, and planted her lips on mine...and then she bit me.

"Yeow! Mind the teeth, girl!" I whined.

Kurietta's needle sharp fangs didn't do any real damage since she didn't bear down with them hard--just enough to make it felt. It proved too much for everyone to keep their composure and they started laughing (except for Foxfire, who secretly hoped that she could do the same, only much more tenderly).

Pulling back just a bit and still keeping her hold on my head, Kurietta said, "Ya just remember that little nip, ya big baby...next time I'll really give ya one to remember!"

That incited another round of laughs. I looked straight into Kurietta's eyes and asked quietly with a sly grin, "Promise?"

"Ya better believe...hey! Ooo!" Kurietta said in exasperation, and that time she did lightly smack me on the back of my head with her hand.

I quickly snatched up Kurietta in my arms and held her like one would hold a small cubling and hugged her as I carried her over to Grimm.

I whispered very quietly in her ear, "I am so glad that you're back."

Kurietta pulled her head back and gave me a perplexed look as I handed her over to Grimm.

"Yep, I was right...the village just isn't going to be the same, Grimm," I said with a grin.

He easily took her into his large arms and grinning back, he said, "No doubt."

Kurietta looked at Grimm, then me, and then to Red Moon she asked, "Are these two always like this?"

Red Moon nodded her head and smirked, "Yep, pretty much."

Kurietta groaned and slapped her hand over her eyes and shook her head.

We made our way back to our den, leaving the door open to let in some fresh air, and set our things down somewhere out of the way for the time being.

"It is so good to be home again," I said with a sigh as I sat down at the table next to the fireplace.

Red Moon sat down next to me and put her arm around my shoulders,

"Hopefully we won't have to go anywhere for a while, dear." She said.

"Yeah, at least not until next spring," I said.

Dahmi sat down with us and we sat there for a few minutes, not saying anything.

"I think I'm going to need a change of clothing," Dahmi stated quietly.

"I take it that your clothes are getting a little ripe, dear?" Red Moon asked with a grin.

"They could use a good scrubbing. Thankfully I have some clothes in my things from the enclave that I can wear in the meantime," Dahmietra replied.

"You could wear one of my extra breechcloths, if you want to, Dahmi," Red Moon offered.

Dahmietra gave Red Moon a dubious look and said, "I don't think I'm quite ready to show_that_ much skin in front of everyone!"

I chuckled a little and said, "Well, I guess we can pay Moon Dancer another visit sometime tomorrow and see what else she can come up with for you to wear. I'm sure Kurietta will need to pay her a visit, too."

"Hey, there's a thought, maybe you two can go out together while we clean the place up for Mistress Starfire's visit...it probably could use a good dusting," Red Moon suggested.

Dahmietra thought about that for a moment and then said, "I suppose that would be fun since we're the new girls around here."

"You remember where everything's at?" I asked Dahmietra.

"I think so...um, is there a place where we can exchange one of those gold pieces of mine for silver?"

"Certainly, we can swing by after we have a nice, well deserved bath," I replied. Dahmietra grinned.

Before we left for the bathhouse, we decided it might be best to go ahead and give the sleeping furs a good shaking before getting ourselves cleaned, so we hauled them outside and shook out whatever dust and so forth they may have accumulated while we were gone. Once we got that little chore finished, Dahmietra selected something comfortable to wear from her bag of items from her old room and Red Moon and I got clean breach cloths from our trunks. As we were heading towards the bathhouse, we spied some of the others also making their way there. Dahmietra paused briefly as she cocked her head a little.

"Warri says he's on his way here," she told us as she tapped the side of her head with her finger.

"Gee, I wish I could do that," Red Moon sighed.

"As soon as we become bonded, dear, you will...at least with me, anyway," I said with a grin.

"Just what happens when two people become 'bonded'?" Dahmietra asked. "Well...the simplest answer is that their spirits will be forever linked to one another so that they will never be alone. Bond mates can communicate with one another in a way that's a lot different from what you and Warri have been doing--they can 'see' each other, sort of like how we've seen the spirits of Kurietta's family, only it's a bit more than that. Bond mates can talk to each other, share their innermost thoughts and desires, memories and so forth, no matter how far away they might be from one another. In fact, the bond is so strong that not even death can break it. There's more to it, but that's as I said, the simplest answer," I replied.

"So, how does this happen?" Dahmietra asked.

"It takes the help of four First Ones to form the bond between two of us--both of my parents are First Ones, so we would need two others, and I think Mistress Starfire and Sire Night Blaze have agreed to help," I replied.

"Can they do that for anyone, or only for certain people?" Dahmietra asked.

"From my understanding, it seems to be easiest with the eldest of us, and the pair must_really_ want to go through with it--once done, it's permanent, so the pair being bonded had better really love one another and have a good healthy relationship, otherwise it would make for a pretty bad existence if they didn't," I said.

Dahmietra thought for a moment and then said, "Ooo, yeah, I imagine it would be...being forever stuck with someone who you really didn't get along with, or worse."

I nodded my head in agreement.

"Do very many couples become bond mates?" Dahmietra asked.

"Not many are willing to do this, because of the risks. I'm not sure just how many of us are bonded, and of the First Ones...who knows," I replied.

"Risks?" Dahmietra asked with concern.

Glancing over to Red Moon, I replied, "A couple must be...compatible, completely compatible, in several ways in order for it to work. And then there is the fact that we're immortal--a couple has to have a very special kind of love for one another, otherwise--over time--their relationship could sour and then it could become insufferable. Fortunately, Red Moon and I have already been 'tested', you can say, and we are one of those very special and fortunate couples that can do this if we really wanted to."

"And we do want to, don't we, dear?" Red Moon asked with a big smile on her face as she reached out for my hand.

I looked her right in the eyes, took her hand in mine and said with an equally big smile, "Absolutely, my love."

"I hope you don't mind me asking so many questions...I'm just trying to get an idea of what it's all about," Dahmietra said with a little smile.

"That's okay, Dahmi, you should have heard all of the questions I asked about it when Mist Runner first suggested we think about it," Red Moon said with a smirk.

"How long ago was that?" Dahmietra asked.

"Oh, it's been...what, two or three hundred turns of the seasons or so, dear?" Red Moon asked me.

"Actually, it was three hundred and fifty nine turns of the seasons, five moons and eight days ago...in the evening, after we had our meal; we were sitting on top of the den drinking _salfarel[3]_tea," I replied with a grin.

Dahmietra stopped in her tracks with her mouth hanging open.

"Well, this isn't something you do on a whim, Dahmi...," Red Moon started to say.

"You remember that clearly, that long ago?" Dahmietra asked totally astonished.

I grinned as Red Moon put one hand up to the side of her mouth and while pointing her thumb towards me she whispered loudly, "He remembers everything!"

I looked at Dahmietra with a sly grin as I shrugged my shoulders a little. Dahmietra's expression went from astonishment to mild shock.

"Oh, my...you mean he's just like Warri?"

"More or less," I said, still grinning.

Dahmietra looked at Red Moon and said, "Oh my...there's two of them!" and then she shook her head.

Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire met us at the entrance to the bathhouse and we waited for Warri to catch up to us.

"Night Song and Brown Leaf are already in there," Grimm said jabbing a thumb towards the inside.

"Warri should be here shortly...I think I see him," I said looking in the direction where he would be coming from.

"Are Smoke Fire and Snow Spear going to join us?" Red Moon asked.

"I'm not sure about Snow Spear...you know him, a rain puddle is plenty enough water--a bucket of it is an indulgence," I quipped.

Grimm chuckled and said, "You have him pretty well pegged."

"Doesn't he like to bathe or something?" Dahmietra asked, wrinkling her nose a bit.

"He's just...frugal," I replied. Grimm chuckled again and added, "You're being generous, my friend."

"Grimmie and I went over to his den once to visit--I've never seen such a bare place! Why, it's more like a little cave than a proper home...and even I had to duck to go in and out!" Foxfire exclaimed.

"Sounds like he would probably fit right in at the enclave," Dahmietra said, shaking her head slowly.

"From what I saw of it while I was there, he might be able to teach them a thing or two about how to get by with very little," I said with a smirk.

"Looks like Warri is about here, and Smoke Fire, too," Red Moon observed.

As soon as Warri and Smoke Fire joined us, we went on inside. Night Song and Brown Leaf were already relaxing in the large central pool.

"Dahmi, I thought you were too shy to be in here with just anyone, especially with any males!" Red Moon whispered in Dahmietra's ear.

Dahmietra's face reddened a bit in embarrassment just thinking about that, but she whispered back a bit nervously, "I...I'm trying to overcome my cultural hang-ups about such things...besides, if I'm going to be living here, I might as well start trying to fit in."

Red Moon smiled and then said, "And I thought you weren't quite ready to 'show that much skin in front of everyone'."

Dahmietra's face really turned red and she turned her face away and started taking some deep breaths. Red Moon put her arms around Dahmietra and hugged her.

"Sorry, sweetie, I shouldn't have said that. I know it's probably going to be difficult for you to adjust to some of our ways," Red Moon said softly.

"Anything wrong?" I asked, sensing Dahmietra's nervousness.

"Oh, she's just trying to work up the nerve to get into the water with everyone, and I'm afraid I didn't help matters by joking a little about what she said earlier when I offered her one of my breechcloths," Red Moon said quietly.

"Ah. Dahmi, do you remember what I said to you when we brought you here the first time?" I asked as I hugged her along with Red Moon.

Dahmietra thought back to that time and then nodded her head.

"Just remember that this is only about relaxing and getting a good cleansing soak--it's really no different than all of the time we just spent together on our journey, and you know everyone well enough by now to know that nobody's going to mess with you," I said.

Dahmietra looked up at me and smiled shyly.

"Whenever you're ready, just climb in like it was nothing, okay?" I added. Dahmietra nodded her head and I gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. I went on over to the large pool and as I took my things off and laid them on a nearby table, I spoke to everyone in our language.

"Dahmi's going to join us, but she's really shy about being seen with nothing on--it's a cultural thing with her, so please try not to embarrass her any more than she already feels. She's trying to do her best to fit in with our ways, and it might take her a while to get comfortable with certain things...like bathing with others."

I looked around the group, making eye contact with each person individually. Satisfied that everyone understood, I glanced back at Red Moon who had heard all that I said with her sensitive hearing.

"Are you ready, Dahmi?" she asked quietly. Dahmietra said that she thought she was, so Red Moon nodded once to me and they started walking over to one of the tables to take their things off. I smiled a little and got into the pool. The water was comfortably warm and lightly scented with an herbal/mineral mixture that was rather soothing. It took Dahmietra a little while to peel out of her clothing, probably because she was nervous. Red Moon helped, and when Dahmietra was ready, they stepped over to the pool to join the rest of us. I stood and held my hands out to Dahmi to help her down into the pool--I could tell that she was trying really hard to not be totally mortified of being seen so. Once she eased down into the water enough to be covered, she started to relax a bit and I guided her over to a spot to where she could sit. The pool was rather large, and out in the center of it, it would easily be over Dahmietra's head, so I warned her about that since she didn't know how to swim. Kurietta, on the other hand, was enjoying swimming around in the center of the pool.

"This is_so_ great!" she exclaimed as she tread water.

"I'm surprised that you're not terrified of being in the water," Brown Leaf said to Kurietta.

"Why? Oh...because of that. Yah well, this ain't no cold, dark, raging river...and besides, I got the Grimmster right here and he's not gonna let anything happen to me," she replied cheerfully.

"And did anyone mention that she's one stubborn little cuss when she wants to be?" I said with a sly grin.

"Hey, I resemble that remark!" Kurietta said playfully as she splashed a little water my way.

While we were all chuckling at Kurietta's reply, another person walked into the bathhouse. I happened to look to see who it might be and my jaw dropped in surprise--Snow Spear had decided to show up after all.

"I'm not too late, am I?" he asked.

"Well, I'll be a tree rat's aunt!" Night Song exclaimed loudly with a big grin on her face, "I didn't think you were going to show up!"

"It's a miracle!" Brown Leaf added a little quieter than her friend did.

"No, of course not, Snow Spear; plenty of room for one more," I said grinning.

Grimm looked at me and said quietly, "Good thing we didn't bet on whether or not he would show up."

I smiled back and said, "Yeah, we probably would have lost."

Smoke Fire held his hand out to Brown Leaf wiggling his fingers while grinning and said, "You owe me a bowl of Eastlander ale, cuz."

Brown Leaf rolled her eyes and sighed, and then grabbed his hand, "Lucky brat!"

We spent the next hour or so soaking, relaxing, scrubbing each other's backs, telling stories and just generally enjoying the time together. When we had enough, we got out, dried off, brushed out our fur, and got dressed. Dahmietra put on a clean short tunic and braies and a long dress, without all of the extra layers that she would have worn before. She left her hair down and unbraided so that it would finish drying.

While she was slipping on her old soft shoes, Brown Leaf commented, "Gee, Dahmi, you have such gorgeous long hair...may I?" Brown Leaf indicated that she wished to feel it.

Dahmietra nodded her head and Brown Leaf lifted it and ran her fingers through it.

"It's so thick! How long has it taken you to grow it this long?" she asked.

"Thanks. Well, I've had long hair for most of my life...I trim the ends of it every so often, but other than that I just let it keep growing," Dahmietra replied.

"Well, I think it's gorgeous and the color really goes well with your green eyes," Brown Leaf said.

"Thanks," Dahmietra said, smiling shyly at the compliment.

When we walked out of the bathhouse, we saw that the villagers were beginning to set up for a party.

"Well, I guess any excuse is good enough for a little celebrating, eh Grimm?" I said.

"As long as they don't want any speeches...," he replied.

"Ya know, guys...when ya first came to my village, ya stood out in the crowd; now that I'm in yours, I'm gonna get lost in the crowd!" Kurietta said eyeing the growing number of villagers gathering.

"Don't feel bad, my first day here made me feel like a little child in a grown up's world," Dahmietra said.

Kurietta picked up the general idea of what Dahmietra said--learning the Common Tongue was coming along rather easily for Kurietta. She smiled and nodded her head.

"I know what ya mean, girl...we're just like short people among giants."

On our way from the bathhouse to the celebration, I remembered that I had promised Dahmietra to get one of her gold coins exchanged for silver, so we made a quick detour to get that taken care of. The moneychanger's shop was just about to close up when we arrived so that they could attend the celebration.

"Got time for one more customer?" I asked, nodding towards Dahmietra.

"Certainly, Sire...I think we can squeeze her in," the clerk said with a smile.

When the celebration was finally in full swing it was like a big family reunion, which in a manner of speaking, it was, since Sky Splitter and Night Blaze had returned from their long journey of exploration in the south world that had lasted fifty turns of the seasons. Kurietta, being one of the Woodland People, also got a lot of attention--she never had seemed to mind being the center of attention, which was probably due to her being a tribal dancer. Kurietta charmed her way through the evening, though she never got too far away from Grimm. Dahmietra seemed to enjoy herself also, especially at being treated as if she was part of a very large family. There were plenty of various kinds of food, though Dahmietra steered clear of the raw meats, and Grimm had to keep a close eye on Kurietta to make sure that she had more than just fruits and berries. After some of the things we had to deal with on our journey, the party was just as refreshing as the good soaking we had given ourselves earlier in the bathhouse. Family, friends and neighbors, good food, music and songs, and even dancing, we all had a great time.

At one point, I spied Bane Flower making a quiet appearance. She was there long enough to get something to eat, though she kept to herself. I tried to make my way over to her to say hello, but she slipped away when she saw me heading in her direction. I saw her walking back to her den with tail down and ears drooping--she paused only for a moment to turn and look back. I stood at the edge of the crowd and met her eyes, raising my hand to wave at her. I could see her eyes open in surprise and her tail came up slightly, with just the tip wagging a little, but then she lowered her head and her tail and proceeded back to her den with shoulders slumped. I felt a sadness in my heart of being at seeing her like this--before Bane Flower left for that trip to the mountains and her subsequent disappearance, she was much happier and nicer to be around. Whatever happened to her out there had changed her dramatically. I clenched my jaws in determination that I would get to the bottom of whatever it was that caused Bane Flower to feel such hurt and shame, and if possible, try to help my former love mate overcome it. Red Moon found me and came up beside me, putting her arm around my waist. Red Moon looked in the direction I was looking at and saw Bane Flower and the way she was walking. Red Moon looked up at me and understood as only she could. I sighed and put my arm around Red Moon's shoulders, nuzzling her, and we walked back into the thick of the party.

Eventually things began to wind down for the night and we all helped with the cleanup, thanking everyone for the great time that we had. Mistress Starfire and Sire Night Blaze left with Grimm, Kurietta and Foxfire, walking back towards Grimm's den, and shortly thereafter my own parents came to walk with Red Moon, Dahmietra, and I as we headed home. Mother always was able to know if something was gnawing on me, no matter how well I buried it.

"Something troubles you, my son?" she asked quietly as we slowly walked along in the dark.

I didn't say anything for a moment, but then I dropped my ears a little and let out a small sigh.

"I saw Bane Flower tonight--she was sitting by herself so I thought I would at least go say hello to her. I guess she saw me heading her way and she left. I watched her walk back towards her den wondering why she felt so much shame and pain, too. She stopped for a moment and turned her head to look back and she saw me. We held eye contact for a moment and I raised my hand and waved at her, and she kind of perked up for a moment, but then she lowered her head and walked off. Bane Flower never has been the same since she disappeared for that time. I...thought about mentioning something about it to you before we left, but I had other things to deal with first," I said.

We walked a few paces before mother said, "Warri had said something about it the night before you left on your journey. He told me about the confrontation she almost provoked with you, so I've been keeping an eye on her in my own way."

We walked a few more paces in silence, and then I said, "Maybe Foxfire might be able to help, too."

Mother glanced at me as we continued to walk along at a slow pace, and then she nodded her head once.

"I will have a visit with Foxfire and see if she would be willing to help, though I'm sure that she would. Starfire has told me of how Foxfire's abilities have grown recently," mother said.

"They have!" Red Moon blurted out. "She's done some truly amazing things on our trip that I never knew she could, and I'm her best friend! Even Grimm was surprised."

I nodded my head in agreement with what Red Moon said.

"If it hadn't been for Foxfire coming along, I don't know what we would have done. She helped Alnakh, Salzar, and me at the inn to deal with what happened there, she protected Dahmietra twice, made bushes and trees grab hold and restrain people, and she stopped a Dark Blood even! And then there's that part of bringing Kurietta back from the dead as well," I said.

"And don't forget about making the spirits of Kurietta's family visible, too!" Dahmietra added.

"And what about what she did to Lordan?" Red Moon asked.

"Oh, yeah...she somehow showed him what the meaning of true love was all about--she channeled so much of it to him that I don't think there is any way he could not know it," I added.

Both of my parents looked at each other with raised eyebrows upon hearing what we said.

"Show us," father said, so my parents and I sat down where we were and joined hands.

"What's going on?" Dahmietra asked Red Moon in a whisper.

"I think it has something to do with their bond-link--they can somehow join spirits, allowing Mist Runner to share his experiences," she whispered back.

"Kind of like when Warri showed me what happened in that camp?" Dahmietra asked, whispering in Red Moon's ear.

"Maybe, I don't know...I've never done this before," Red Moon whispered her reply to Dahmietra.

Red Moon held Dahmietra as they stood nearby while mother, father, and I shared my experiences involving Foxfire--what they didn't know was that we three were also connected with Grimm and his parents, and the other Lore Masters as well. Although it seemed to me that we had spent some time all linked together, sharing and discussing the events both Grimm and I witnessed and experienced, the actual exchange took a mere few minutes.

When we had finished our communion, mother quietly said, "Well, that was certainly...interesting."

"To say the least," father added.

Mother looked over in the direction of Grimm's den and thought for a moment, then turned her attention back to us and said, "For one so young to do such things...is truly remarkable."

"I agree. Foxfire may very well be more capable than we thought," father agreed.

"Well, we should let them get their rest tonight, dear. We will see you sometime tomorrow evening," mother said.

We hugged and said our good nights, and continued the rest of the way to our own den.

Warri was waiting for us at the end of the path, writing in his journal by the light of his little lamp.

"Ayooo! Warri! Have you been waiting long for us?" I called out to him.

Warri raised a hand in greeting and said, No Sire, I have not been here long...just thought I would write a little bit about our return home."

He put his things away and stood up, picking up his little lamp. Not that he really needed it to see by at night--getting around in the dark is one thing, trying to write neatly in the dark is another. Warri and Dahmietra had stayed pretty much together during the celebration, though as soon as it was over and the area was mostly cleaned up, Warri excused himself and went on ahead to wait for us while we spent some time with my parents. We walked on up the path towards our den and went inside. Once we got the lamps lit in our den, Warri put out his own little lamp and packed it away once it cooled enough to do so. We came home with some of the extra food from the celebration to have for our first meal, though the next day we would have to stock up again on our provisions and firewood. I looked at the two empty buckets that we put our water in and decided that they should be filled before retiring for the night.

"I guess I'd better go fill our buckets," I said with a little sigh, thinking that I should have done that before we went to the bathhouse.

"I can do that for you, Sire," Warri offered, wanting to be useful.

I quickly thought about it, still considering Warri to be a guest in our den...but, since Red Moon and I had already given both him and Dahmi our permission to spend time together and that my parents also accepted it, I suppose I would have to start considering him to be a part of our family.

"Well...okay, Warri, that's nice of you to offer," I said with a little smile.

As Warri was picking up the buckets, Dahmietra asked, "May I go with him?"

Red Moon shot me a quick glance and I nodded my head once slightly, and then she said, "Go ahead, dear. I'm sure Warri wouldn't mind showing you where to get water from."

Dahmietra got a big smile on her face and reached out for one of the two buckets Warri was holding and took it from him.

"We won't be long," she said. The happiness in her voice as well as her expression was readily apparent.

"Try not to spill too much on the way back," Red Moon said with a grin as she waved at them. After they left I stood there looking at the door with a wry grin on my face. Red Moon slipped her arms around me and said, "What are you thinking, dear?"

I sighed a little, put my arms around her, and said, "No sooner than we finally have a girl cub of our own, she's already practically out on her own."

Red Moon nuzzled my neck and then she looked at the door herself for a moment.

"I know what you mean, dear," she said and then looked up to meet my eyes, "though you know we could always really have one of our own."

Red Moon had that sly, mischievous grin on her face again, sticking just the tip of her tongue out. I knew what she was hinting about in a not so subtle manner.

Giving a slight nod towards the door, I said, "You know they're going to be back soon..."

"Uh huh," Red Moon said licking her lips.

"And you know that we'll be setting a poor example for them..."

"Uh huh," Red Moon said again still giving me that mischievous grin and wagging her tail.

"Well, if you insist...," I said and Red Moon, flashing a big wicked grin, grabbed my wrist and yanked me back to our sleeping area.

Dahmietra could see well enough as she and Warri walked through the village at night with the magical lamps that gently illuminated the pathways throughout the village with their soft light. There was a very light breeze moving through the trees, just enough to cause a bare whisper among the leaves. The air was cool, but still comfortable to Dahmietra in her light dress, and she stopped briefly to take a long, deep breath, smelling the various scents that she could detect.

"It's so lovely here, even at night," Dahmietra said, looking about before slowly moving on.

"It _is_rather nice here," Warri said quietly.

They walked a few paces and then Dahmietra asked, "Warri, do you think your family will approve of me like Mist Runner's has?"

Warri thought for a moment and said, "I hope they do."

He took hold of Dahmietra's hand and they laced their fingers together. "What would happen if they don't?" Dahmietra asked after a few moments.

Warri glanced over to Dahmietra and then lowered his face a bit, as they continued to walk towards the spring.

"They...could prevent me from being with you," he said slowly, not wanting to think of that possibility.

"But wouldn't that be only until we go through this...ritual thing, the...Coming of Age, or whatever? Wouldn't we be able to make our own choice after that?" she asked.

Warri thought how best to put it, "Well, yes...we certainly could, but...if my family and clan still didn't approve by then, then it would be within their right to no longer consider me to be a part of them."

Dahmietra stopped in her tracks, making Warri stop, too.

"You mean they would disown you, cast you out, just because of that?" Dahmietra asked rather concerned.

"At the very least, yes, they could," Warri replied quietly.

"But Mist Runner's parents think it's okay for us to be together and they're First Ones--Mistress Fire Weaver is even one of the Lore Masters, wouldn't that have any sway in their decision?" Dahmietra asked.

Warri thought about that for a while.

"I suppose it would, at least with my parents, but what the rest of the clan might do...I don't know," he said.

"What would you do if your family didn't go along with the idea of us being together?" she asked.

Warri knew without hesitation what he would do.

"I would defy them and stay with you...even though it would likely cost me dearly," he said gravely.

Dahmietra set her bucket down and put her arms around Warri.

Looking up to his face, she asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"I would either have to live as an outcast from my own clan for all eternity...or...I would have to challenge the head of our clan," he said grimly.

Dahmietra suddenly got a worried look on her face from the way he said that last part.

"Who is the head of your clan, Warri?" she asked cautiously.

Warri paused a few moments, "Lore Mistress Stream Chaser."

Dahmietra's jaw dropped.

"Warri, you couldn't possibly...!" she exclaimed in hushed tones.

Warri sighed and slumped a bit, "I know...and she was the one who questioned Sire Mist Runner, Dam Red Moon and you at the Council Rock."

Dahmietra thought fast, "You heard what grandma Fire Weaver said what she thought of you the other day...I think she really likes you."

Warri lifted his chin up a bit and grinned a little.

"She does. She has allowed me to perceive her full self twice now, and you once so far. She doesn't do that to just anyone," he said feeling a little better about the situation.

"Well, grandda seems to like you well enough, and Mistress Starfire does, too...and somehow I don't think Master Spirit Feather would object," Dahmietra said.

The more Warri thought about what Dahmietra said, the more his mood improved.

"I know that Mistress Fire Weaver isn't one to take 'no' for an answer when she has her mind set on something--I wouldn't be surprised if she convinces Mistress Stream Chaser to give her blessing," Warri said getting a grin on his face.

Dahmietra put her arms around Warri's neck and kissed him full on the lips.

"I love you, Warri!" she whispered.

Warri smiled and as he returned Dahmietra's kiss, he said to her with his mind-speak ability, "I love you too, Dahmietra!"

Red Moon and I collapsed on our bed, panting heavily.

"Whew! I don't think I wanna move after that!" Red Moon exclaimed breathlessly.

"Ha! I bet in a few minutes you'll want more, my dear!" I said grinning and just as out of breath as Red Moon.

She looked over at me and grinned, "Probably."

I brushed her long fur from her face gently and slowly shook my head.

"I wonder if you'll still think that in say, another hundred thousand turns of the seasons," I chuckled.

Red Moon quickly rolled over on top of me, supporting her upper body with her arms, and said with a sly grin, "You know me...can never get enough."

"I thought you didn't want to move?" I teased.

"Yeah, well...maybe I don't want to move from right here," she teased back, licking her lips as she held her nose just barely touching mine.

"Um, you know the young ones are probably going to be here any moment now...," I said, giving Red Moon a quick kiss.

Red Moon plopped down on my chest unexpectedly, nearly knocking the wind out of me.

"I don't wanna move!" she whined.

I reached my hand out, felt around for her breechcloth, and felt some fabric, so I grabbed it and handed it to her.

"Better put this on," I said.

She groaned and without looking, grabbed it out of my hand. Red Moon opened an eye and looked at what was in her hand scornfully, and then tossed it.

"Not mine," she groaned again and buried her face in my fur.

I sighed, looking in the direction that she tossed the breechcloth, which turned out to be mine.

"Red Moon?"

"Mmpf?"

"They're back."

Red Moon let out a long sigh and rolled off of me and onto her back.

"I'm going to curl up right here under the covers," she said.

"Right,after we get cleaned up a little and get everyone situated...then we will curl up together for the night," I said taking a hold of Red Moon's hand, kissed it, and then sat up pulling her with me.

"Spoil-sport!" Red Moon said, sticking her tongue out at me.

I just smiled, found her breechcloth, and handed it to her.

"I believe_this_ one is yours, dear."

On their way back from filling the buckets at the spring, Dahmietra saw something that caught her eye.

"Warri, what's that over there? Do you see it?" she said pointing.

Warri looked in the direction that Dahmietra was pointing.

"Oh, that's Mistress Starfire...she always glimmers like that. She and Sire Night Blaze must be heading home."

"Oh. She sure is beautiful...in kind of a wild sort of way. When she greeted me earlier today, it seemed, I don't know, as if she was looking deep into my soul. It was kind of unnerving...I wasn't sure if she was just trying to figure me out, or if she was looking at me like predator looking at its next meal," Dahmietra said quietly, watching Starfire continue her way in the distance.

"Many of the First Ones will ease their appearance before the rest of us, just to make it easier to be near them. Master Spirit Feather is good about that, as you probably remember when he had you sit next to him your first day here. But Mistress Starfire...I'm not sure why she does that," Warri said.

Dahmietra thought about what Warri said while they slowly walked along the path back to the den.

"Well, at least I know where Foxfire gets her looks from," Dahmietra said, smiling.

"The one female everyone wants, but nobody can be around," Warri said quietly.

"What do you mean by that?" Dahmietra asked.

"Um, she has a certain--appeal--about her, I don't know how to describe it. Everyone feels it, and you probably have, too. Except for her brother, no one can be near her for long before their minds turn to slush...even Sire Mist Runner and I struggle to keep our minds clear, as I'm sure Dam Red Moon does as well, and she's Dam Foxfire's best friend," Warri replied.

"I guess I have had some peculiar feelings whenever I've been close to Foxfire, but somewhere along the way on our trip, she seems to have gotten better at controlling her...aura, I guess you call it," Dahmietra said.

"You have a point there," Warri said nodding his head.

They walked a little further until they came to the end of the path that went up to the den.

"Well, here we are," Dahmietra said, just before stepping off the main path.

Warri stopped, too, looking up towards the den for a moment and then looking at Dahmietra.

"This is going to be...different," Warri said a bit nervously.

"I guess so," Dahmietra agreed.

"I suppose it was one thing to share a bed when we were at the inn and also at the outpost with the others, but now...we'll be in your den, at least for tonight," Warri said.

"I guess this is a bit more private. It's my home now; though it's still all kind of new to me...I'm not quite used to living here yet. Oh, and what do you mean by 'at least for tonight'?" Dahmietra asked.

"I still have about another moon left of my apprenticeship and I'm expected to stay with the other apprentices until then. If Lore Master Stone Toucher should want to keep me on as his assistant, then I suppose that I could find a place of my own here in Hope's Spring; if he doesn't, then I'm not sure what I'll do next," Warri replied.

"But you still want to be with me, don't you?" Dahmietra asked hopefully. Warri set his bucket down carefully and embraced Dahmietra.

"Of course I want to be with you...it's just that here we have to be more careful about following the customs of our people, especially since we're wanting to be more than just friends. After we go through the Coming of Age rite, then we will be free to...do more, if we want," Warri explained.

Dahmietra smiled and asked, "Just another moon?"

Warri nodded his head and smiled in return, "Just another moon."

"Think we can wait that long?" she asked.

"I've waited thirty turns of the seasons for you to come into my life...what are a few more days?" he replied with a grin.

Dahmietra hugged Warri and then took a hold of his hand.

"I think we'd better get this water inside before they come looking for us," Dahmietra said smiling.

Warri picked up his bucket and said, "If Dam Red Moon has her way, I wouldn't doubt that she would have other things on her mind."

They looked at each other for a moment and then both laughed as they walked together hand-in-hand up the path to the den.

Grimm, with Kurietta by his side, led his family to the large den that he shared with his little sister.

When they arrived under the front area, Kurietta said, "Geez Grimmster, it's kinda dark, don't ya think?"

"I should light some lamps...," he agreed as he reached into his pouch for his flint and striker.

"I can help, Grimmie...give me a sec, okay?" Foxfire offered.

Grimm nodded his head, and then Foxfire said, "Let's see now, it's been a little while since I've did this."

She shifted her thoughts, letting her own magic flow and soon her body began to glow with a silvery-white light that rapidly grew until she was making enough light to see by.

"Geez, Foxie, that's a pretty neat trick, how do ya do that?" Kurietta asked totally amazed at what Foxfire was doing.

"Oh, this?" she indicated with her hand the glow she had caused to emanate from her body.

Kurietta nodded her head and then cocked it slightly to one side, giving a puzzled look.

"Just a little something I can do," Foxfire said.

"Now you know how she got her name," Night Blaze said chuckling.

"Have you ever seen old pieces of logs and sticks in the woods glow softly at night with a pale yellowish light?" Grimm asked Kurietta.

She thought for a bit and then said, "Oh, yah...I remember Meri and I used to play with it when da would find some and bring it home to us."

"It's a type of fungus that gives off its own light. It's probably called by many names, but many folk call it 'foxfire'. When our little cubling was born, it was at night and she came out glowing like that, so that's why we named her after it. Over time she learned how to control it," Night Blaze said.

"I think Mistress Fire Weaver was rather surprised, as I remember," Grimm said with a slight grin.

"We all were, my son," Starfire said, fondly remembering how little trouble it was to give birth to Foxfire, as compared to her much larger brother.

"My little Foxfire has grown up to be quite a remarkable, talented, and very beautiful lady," Night Blaze grinned with pride.

"That she has, my dear," Starfire agreed.

Even Grimm chimed in, "If it had not been for Foxfire, this place would have been nothing more than a cold, dark, and cheerless cave for far too many turns of the seasons."

Kurietta looked up at Grimm and saw a flicker of pain and sadness pass across his face.

"Yeah, but Foxie was able to finish what your ma started, so yah, that makes her pretty special to me, too," Kurietta said as she gave Grimm a squeeze.

Foxfire was starting to get embarrassed by the nice things being said about her.

"Aw, gee, can we get the lamps going already? I'd rather the bugs be attracted to them and not to me!"

That got a few chuckles out of her family, including Kurietta. Grimm opened the door to the den and he and Foxfire went inside to get the lamps lit. Night Blaze and Starfire sat out under the roofed area with Kurietta waiting for Grimm and Foxfire to come back out. When they did, Foxfire was no longer glowing brightly as before; only the usual faint shimmer of her fur could be seen. Grimm brought a lit lamp out with him and used it to light the other lamps that hung from the overhead beams. There was one large and sturdily built low back chair, which was obviously Grimm's by the sheer size of it. Night Blaze and Starfire sat on a bench across the low table between it and Grimm's chair. Foxfire had her own chair that she sat in not far from the fire pit that was in the center of the area. Kurietta watched as Foxfire sat in it--she moved with an easy, fluid grace as she sat down that seemed to flow into a demure posture that was as natural as it was well practiced.

Kurietta was about to sit on Grimm's lap when Starfire cocked her head for a brief moment and then said to her mate, "Fire Weaver calls us, my love. Grimm, join us, my son."

Grimm arched an eyebrow towards his mother and got up, indicating to Kurietta to sit in his chair. His parents got up and moved to sit on the ground where Grimm joined them. They joined hands making a circle, and then Starfire initiated the connection that would join the three of them with Fire Weaver and Sky Splitter, and the other Lore Masters. Kurietta watched, not understanding what was going on--she started to ask Foxfire, but before she could utter a word, Foxfire held a finger up to her lips and slowly shook her head to indicate that she shouldn't say anything. So Kurietta sat and watched Grimm and his parents sit, not moving, for a few minutes. Foxfire appeared to be watching, too, though her own eyes were half closed and it seemed as if her mind might have been elsewhere. After a short while, Foxfire opened her eyes just moments before her brother and parents broke off their contact. As soon as Starfire opened her eyes, she looked intently at her daughter for moment, locking eyes with Foxfire and cocked her head slightly to one side. Starfire held that penetrating gaze which Foxfire knew all too well, before she slowly blinked once as she turned away to give her attention back to her mate. Foxfire lowered her eyes to the floor for a while and ever so slightly seemed to slump her shoulders a bit.

Kurietta watched the way Starfire looked at Foxfire so intensely, and thought to herself, "Frazzleberries! For being such a nice old gal, she sure can look awfully hard at someone! A look like that would frost my berries and make me think I was about to be someone's lunch!"

"Well my love, I suppose that we should retire to our own den for the night, and let them get their rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, I think," Starfire said.

"I suppose you're right," Night Blaze said, standing up and holding his hand out to Starfire. She accepted his offer of assistance, even though she was perfectly capable of standing on her own. Everyone said their goodnights and then Night Blaze and Starfire left for their own den. Grimm put out the lamps and picked up the one that was used to light the others. When he opened the door, he stopped and looked at his sister who was still standing where she had said her goodnights to her mother and father.

"Foxfire. Are you coming in?" he asked gently.

"Huh? Oh, sure Grimmie," she replied after a moment.

A slight expression of concern came over Grimm's face as he waited for his little sister to come inside. He noticed the little sigh that she gave before turning and walked towards him. Grimm stood in the doorway, appearing to hold it open for her, though he really was using the door as an excuse to make Foxfire come to him.

When she was about to try to slip past him, Grimm caught her and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Sure, Grimmie...just a little tired is all," she replied with a half-hearted smile.

Grimm knew his little sister well enough that something was on her mind.

He hugged her for several moments before saying quietly in her ear, "If you need to talk about something, I'm here."

Foxfire looked up at her brother and touched the side of his face.

"Thanks, Grimmie...maybe later, okay?" she said with a weak smile.

Grimm hugged her again and said okay, and then he kissed her before letting her go by. Grimm took one last quick look out his door before closing it for the night.

"Gee, Grimmster, mighty big place ya have," Kurietta said as she looked around.

"It's about the only place that he can stand up inside without bumping his head on something," Foxfire said with a little grin.

"I don't doubt that, Foxie," Kurietta said as she looked up to see just how much head space Grimm had in his own den--if he had wanted to, Grimm could just touch the ceiling with his fingertips. Kurietta made note of how sparsely furnished the place was. What there was in the way of furnishings were utilitarian--nothing fancy, just plain and functional, not much in the way of decoration and no bright, cheerful colors to be found anywhere.

"I'm gonna have to work on juicin' this place up a bit," Kurietta thought to herself.

Grimm showed her around the place so that if she needed anything she would know where to find it...not that there was much to be found at the moment. They would have to do some serious shop hopping to get things stocked up again after being away for a while. Kurietta remembered that Dahmietra had said that she was going to come by and take her around the village. The thought of getting to go exploring her new surroundings excited Kurietta--curiosity was one thing that the Skunatii were well known for, much to the annoyance of some folk. In a way, Kurietta was glad to learn that Foxfire had her own sleeping area--at least she and Grimm could have a bit of privacy when they needed it. Kurietta felt a bit strange in that she really didn't have any possessions at all except for the clothes on her back...and those were someone else's. She hoped to rectify that situation before long. Grimm pulled out some fresh bedding from a storage place and got it ready. Kurietta yawned and stretched and could hardly wait to crawl in under the covering and go to sleep--it had been a long day with an early start, a lot of walking, the celebration and all of the excitement (and strangeness), and she was just worn out from it all.

When Grimm got everything ready he said, "You can go ahead and get comfortable, I'm going to put out the lamps. Won't take but a few moments."

"Okay, Grimmster...I don't think I can keep my eyes open much longer," she said with a sleepy grin.

He turned down the lamp near the doorway to his sleeping area and then went about putting out the other lamps. On his way back, he knocked on the wall next to the doorway of Foxfire's sleeping area and stuck his head in. She was just about to crawl under her own covers when he knocked.

"Oh, hi Grimmie, are you heading to bed, too?" she asked.

Grimm nodded his head and said, "I just put out the lamps. Do you want this one turned down?" he asked pointing to the one next to her doorway.

"That would be sweet of you, Grimmie, thanks," she said smiling.

Grimm smiled back and turned the lamp's wick down so that it wouldn't burn nearly as much oil and still give off just a little light in case it might be needed during the night.

"Goodnight, Foxfire...sweet dreams," Grimm said quietly.

"Goodnight, Foxie!" Kurietta called from the other room.

"Goodnight, Kuri!" Foxfire said loud enough to be heard.

Grimm shook his head in mild amusement, gave his little sister a wave, and then went to his own bed. When Grimm entered his sleeping area, Kurietta was already under the covering, and the tunic that Dahmietra had given her to wear was lying neatly folded and placed on a stool next to the bed. He took off his own breechcloth, placed it on top of his trunk, and slipped under the covers.

"Mrrrr, it's gonna be nice to curl up next to ya every night," Kurietta purred with contentment.

Grimm put his arm over Kurietta and nuzzled her neck, giving her a little lick behind her ear. "I was thinking the same thing, my dear," he said quietly.

Kurietta got a big grin on her face and said, "Goodnight, Grimmster."

He gave her a little squeeze and said, "Goodnight...Hot Stuff."

Kurietta reached back behind her and gave Grimm a little slap on his hip.

"I don't know which one of ya is worse, ya or Misty!" she said with a bit of playful exasperation.

"He is," Grimm smirked without hesitation.

The morning came bright and clear with a gentle breeze working its way through the trees from the west. When we woke up, it was still a respectable time--not too early and not too late. We took care of the usual morning necessities and ate the food that we had brought home from the celebration the night before. After we cleaned up from eating, we decided on what we were going to do. Warri was going to take his things back to where he stays with the rest of the apprentices, and find out what he missed while he was gone. Dahmietra was going to take Kurietta shopping for things they would need, while Red Moon and I would do some cleaning and then go out to restock our supplies. We agreed to all meet back at the den around noon for midday meal and be ready for when Mistress Starfire arrived in the afternoon.

As Dahmietra walked towards Grimm's den, she felt happy and excited at finally getting to live a "normal" life--having family, friends and doing the usual things that any other person would normally do. The whole idea of being able to walk around out in the open among others without having to wear all of the layers of clothing that she used to, or having to follow all sorts of very strict rules, or having to have a chaperone, was still a new experience for her. But it was one that she felt that she could very easily get used to. Other villagers who met her along the way all smiled and greeted her cheerfully, accepting her as she is.

"This is so different--no dark looks, no rude comments, and certainly no Shi'dak-an to worry about!" Dahmietra thought to herself happily.

It didn't take her long to reach Grimm's den, though since this was the first time she had gone to anyone else's residence by herself, she was a little uncertain about what the customs were about such things. She tried to remember what Mist Runner and Warri had done whenever they approached someone else's home. Dahmietra stopped along the main path where the little path from Grimm's den joined it and stood there for a moment.

"I guess I just call out from here," she said quietly to herself, shrugging her shoulders.

"Um, Kurietta? It's me, Dahmi!" she called out, hoping it was loud enough to be heard by those inside, but not too loud so as to get anyone else's attention.

She thought she heard the door open and shortly Foxfire came out.

"Oh, hi Dahmi! Come on in!" Foxfire said cheerfully and waved for her to come.

Dahmietra smiled and walked on into the front area of their den where Foxfire greeted her with a hug.

"Good morning, dear! Did you sleep well last night?" Foxfire inquired.

Dahmietra hugged Foxfire back and noticed that she wasn't being immediately overcome by Foxfire's aura...it was there, but it didn't seem quite so intense for some reason this time.

"A pleasant good day to you, Foxfire! Yes, I slept very well last night, thank you," Dahmietra replied.

Foxfire smelled the scent of Warri's fur on her and she smiled her knowing smile.

"Well, come on in sweetie, I think Kuri's about ready," Foxfire said and they both headed inside.

Grimm was sitting at the table looking at some papers when his little sister brought Dahmietra inside.

"Good morning, Dahmietra," Grimm said as he rose up to greet her.

"A pleasant good day to you, Grimm Tooth," Dahmietra said as she gave Grimm a hug.

He hugged her gently and leaned down to briefly nuzzle her, which somewhat surprised Dahmietra, though she happily returned the gesture.

"Kuri, dear, Dahmi's here for you," Foxfire called out towards the back of the den.

"I'll be right there, hon!" Kurietta called back.

After a few moments Kurietta came out and waved to Dahmietra.

"'Mornin', Dahmi!" she said cheerfully.

"A pleasant good day to you, Kuri! Are you ready to go?" Dahmietra asked with a grin.

"Yep, sure am! Oh, Foxie, here's ya brush back," Kurietta said holding it out to Foxfire.

"Thanks, dear. I hope you two have a good time this morning," Foxfire said with a smile.

"I'm sure we will, Foxie. I'll see ya later, Grimmster," Kurietta said giving Grimm a hug and a kiss.

Grimm hugged and kissed Kurietta and told her, "Stay out of trouble," as he stuck the tip of his tongue out with a little smirk.

Kurietta got a sly grin on her face and said quietly as she wagged her finger at him, "Stick that tongue out again and I'll show you what you can do with it."

Grimm arched an eyebrow, and giving a quick glance towards both Dahmietra and Foxfire, he whispered something in Kurietta's ear. Her eyes popped wide open and then nearly crossed as she stifled a moan.

"Grimmster, ya bad boy!" she whispered back in his ear and then kissed him again.

Dahmietra and Kurietta headed towards the shops, and stopped first to see Moon Dancer for some new clothes. Kurietta described a relatively simple, snug fitting one-piece outfit that was open so that it would show most of her front and back and yet keep the pertinent parts covered. She decided on a nice blue color fabric for the outfit and asked if she could have three made alike, plus a cloak. Moon Dancer took Kurietta's measurements and they sketched out the design on her slate. Dahmietra requested another pair of pants and a top similar to the one she had made the last time. She also had an idea for another outfit that she wanted to have in time for the upcoming festivities, which was based upon a design she saw once in an old painting of what the women folk of her people once wore in ancient times. Before the time of Dahmel-Tur, they didn't wear layers of loose, baggy, drab clothing to conceal their form, but rather much more colorful, highly decorated, and much showier. Dahmietra gave Moon Dancer some silver pieces to get started on their order and then they headed off to the jeweler. Kurietta selected some braided leather arm and leg bands decorated with beads and polished stones, along with a couple of beaded necklaces. Dahmietra bought a pair of silver armbands and a pair of bracelets that she thought would look nice with the special outfit she was having made, along with a nice ankle bracelet. After making their purchases at the jewelers, they went to the leather worker's shop so that Kurietta could get a small shoulder bag and a narrow belt; Dahmietra asked to have a pair of soft leather shoes made in a similar style to the ones she had seen in ancient paintings. When they were finished there, they went on to visit other shops to get personal items and other necessities that they would need. After a while, they stopped at a vendor to get something to drink and to snack on, and then found a place to sit and rest.

"Geez, Dahmi, this village is as big as a town!" Kurietta said as she plopped herself down.

"It's certainly larger than you think, the way everything blends in," Dahmietra said as she took a drink of the tart but sweet fruit drink she bought.

"Yah, everything here is big to us," Kurietta agreed.

"Oh, that kind of reminds me of something else we're going to need, Kuri," Dahmietra said between bites of her snack.

"What's that, Dahmi?" Kurietta asked as she bit into hers.

"We need something our size to eat with," Dahmietra replied.

"Yah, last night those eatin' utensils they had at the party looked like things we'd use to cook with--might as well try eating with a pitchfork and a shovel!" Kurietta exclaimed.

Dahmietra laughed and said, "That's about how I felt my first day here. Red Moon made a stew and I felt like I was eating out of a serving bowl with a ladle!"

"Have ya seen what the Grimmster eats with? I happened to see his last night and I coulda swore they looked like a short sword, a small frying pan and a three-pronged spear!" Kurietta said jokingly.

Dahmietra laughed again and said, "Yeah, the night before we left, Mist Runner, Red Moon and I went to Grimm's and Foxfire's place to spend the evening and ate a big meal--he can certainly pack away the food."

"My big boy has a big appetite," Kurietta grinned. After they finished their drink and snack, Kurietta asked, "Where next?"

"Well, I suppose that we could go see Stone Tree--he's the blacksmith, maybe he might have some smaller eating utensils for us," Dahmietra suggested.

"Where's he at?" Kurietta asked.

"I think the smithy is that way," Dahmietra pointed across the village.

"Well, I guess we'd better get a move on then. Think we can swing by...oh, what's-her-name, the seamstress?" Kurietta asked.

"Moon Dancer," Dahmietra said.

"Yah, her...it's gonna take me a while to learn all of these people's names," Kurietta said holding her head in her hands and shaking it.

Dahmietra looked up to see where the sun was in the sky. "I promised Mist Runner and Red Moon that I'd be back by noon, so I guess you're right, we'd better get going," Dahmietra said.

They returned the drinking bowls to the vendor and struck off towards Moon Dancer's shop. By the time they got there, Moon Dancer had one of Kurietta's outfits finished already and was working on another one.

"Come to the back and try it on, dear," Moon Dancer told Kurietta.

She went into the back room and removed the tunic Dahmietra had given her and put on the new outfit, along with the arm and leg bands and the necklaces. When she came out Dahmietra could hardly believe her eyes.

"Wow, Kuri that sure ought to be attention getting!" Dahmietra said in astonishment.

"Ooo...I_love_ it!" Kurietta exclaimed as she wiggled her hips in a rather exaggerated motion and did a few dance moves. "It's perfect! Now I can_really_ move, just like back when I first met the Grimmster and Misty," she said quite happily.

"I'm glad that you like it, dear. Oh, and here's your cloak, too," Moon Dancer said as one of her assistants held it out to Kurietta.

She tried on the gray with blue trim cloak that came down to half way between her knees and her ankles.

"All that I need now is a dagger and a staff and I'll be ready for anything," Kurietta said with a grin.

"I'll have the rest of your things ready by this evening, Kurietta. And as for your things, Dahmietra, I should have those ready by tomorrow afternoon," Moon Dancer said.

"How much do I owe you for Kuri's things?" Dahmietra asked. "Oh, we can take care of that tomorrow when you come by to get your things, child," Moon Dancer said with a little wave of her hand and a smile.

"Okay, I'll come back around mid-afternoon tomorrow," Dahmietra said giving Moon Dancer a quick hug.

"That'll be fine, dear. I'll see you then," Moon Dancer said waving as they left.

"Geez, Dahmi, she sure does a great job, and fast, too," Kurietta said.

"With what little material there is in that, I wouldn't think it would take too long to make," Dahmietra said with a little grin.

It was warm enough that Kurietta didn't need to wear her cloak, so she put it into the large bag that Dahmietra had purchased one for each of them to carry their things in. They stopped by the leather worker's shop and picked up the belt and shoulder bag for Kurietta and the soft leather shoes for Dahmietra.

"Hey, that's an interestin' design for yer shoes, I've never seen anythin' like that before," Kurietta said as she looked at Dahmietra's new shoes.

"I doubt very many people have--the womenfolk of the Wastelanders used to wear something like these before the time of Dahmel-Tur. I saw them in some old paintings once at the enclave. The other outfit I'm having Moon Dancer make is kind of based on clothing that used to be worn back then--it's going to be a surprise for the equinox festivities," Dahmietra said with a grin.

Kurietta thought for a moment and then asked with a sly grin, "Plannin' on turning a few heads?"

Dahmietra grinned back and said, "Just one in particular."

"Ya got the hots for Warri, don't ya, Dahmi?" Kurietta asked with her usual quirky smile.

Dahmietra blushed and shyly glanced at Kurietta, nodding her head.

"We never thought that we'd end up falling in love with each other when we first met because we're so different from each other...well, at least on the outside, anyway," Dahmietra said.

"I suppose so, Dahmi...but hey, if it works out, ya gotta go for it girl. Ya know, he_is_ kinda cute for a young guy," Kurietta said giving Dahmietra a little nudge with her elbow.

Dahmietra grinned and nudged Kurietta back and said, "Grimm is kind of cute, too...for an_old_ guy."

They both started laughing.

After a while Dahmietra said, "You know, we're both in the same fix--being in love with an immortal. Warri is thirty turns of the seasons old, but he's just now about to be 'of age'; he told me once that he'll be fully grown when he turns one hundred--he's only going to age two turns of the seasons in seventy, and after that he'll stop aging altogether. I wonder if he will still look at me the same as he does now when I look like that old cook at the inn we stayed at."

Kurietta was quiet for a bit, as she thought about that very same thing.

"Yah, I know what ya mean, Dahmi," she said quietly. "I know he and Misty don't look it, but when the Grimmster told me once that they were older than the hills, he wasn't kiddin' around. He looks just like he did way back when we first met, and that's been over ten thousand turns of the seasons ago. If I hadn't of...well, I woulda been long gone, too, by now just like everyone else I knew back then. Almost everyone, I guess. Like Misty said, I still have him and the Grimmster around, and I suppose ol' Shri'an is still flappin' around somewhere up in the mountains. But ya know, at least a hundred generations of my people have come and gone since I was away...but you're right, hon. I wonder if the Grimmster is gonna look at me the same way either when this ol' tail of mine can't move like it used to."

"I wonder what they mean about that trip you and I are supposed to make. How did grandma Fire Weaver put it--something about taking the 'journey of the heart_to_ the Heart', I think she said."

"Yah, I've been wonderin' about that, too, Dahmi. Seems like ya and I keep getting told that, but nobody's explained it yet," Kurietta said furrowing her brows in thought. "Maybe we oughtta ask ol' Misty about it--he's always good about explainin' things," Kurietta added after a moment.

"I wonder if this is one of those things where we are getting little nudges along the way like Foxfire has said," Dahmietra thought out loud.

"I guess we're just gonna have to find out some way or another," Kurietta said.

"Oh, that does remind me--Warri told me once that he had run across some ancient tablet that had a reference or such about possibly extending a person's life. He's going to look for it again and check it out," Dahmietra said.

"Geez, Dahmi...ya mean it might be possible to have more time to be with our guys?" Kurietta asked with a bit of excitement.

"It might be; I'll let you know if he finds out anything about it," Dahmietra replied.

They continued quietly for a little ways and Dahmietra thought of something.

"Kuri?" she asked.

"Yah, hon?"

"It just dawned on me that you've seem to be picking up the Common Tongue really, really fast--we've been talking in it the whole morning so far, and you seem like you've been speaking it for a couple of turns of the seasons already," Dahmietra observed.

"Yah, I suppose...I've always been pretty quick at pickin' up new languages," Kurietta said with a grin.

"How many do you know?" Dahmietra asked.

Kurietta thought for a bit as she counted.

"Besides my own people's, I knew all of the Woodland languages plus the trade language we had way back, the Grimmster and Misty taught me theirs--that one took the longest to get the hang of, and I picked up a little from Misty's bird friend. So, let's see...um, eight now," Kurietta said scratching her ear in thought.

"That's amazing, Kuri!" Dahmietra said excitedly.

"Oh, and that's not countin' 'critter talk'," Kurietta said with her quirky smile.

"'Critter talk'?" Dahmietra asked.

"Yah, what the little four-footed critters say," Kurietta replied.

"You mean you can understand the sounds animals make?" Dahmietra said in disbelief.

"Oh, they have their own language, too, hon...those 'huntin' calls' Grimmster's people use for signaling are more than just little yips and barks and such; ya can't say a whole lot using critter talk because it's pretty simple, but ya can get an idea of what's up," Kurietta explained.

Dahmietra thought for a bit and then said while shaking her head slowly,

"There is just so much I have to learn."

Kurietta put her arm around Dahmietra's shoulder and gave her a little hug.

"Ya got yer whole life ahead of ya now, Dahmi...thanks to ol' Misty comin' to your rescue," Kurietta said encouragingly.

Dahmietra put her arm around Kurietta, hugged her back, and said with a grin, "Yeah, I guess so."

They continued on their way to see Stone Tree at the smithy in hopes that he might have some smaller eating utensils for them.

"I guess we're all set now, Dahmi. Good thing that blacksmith had what we needed, but he sure is a talker, isn't he?" Kurietta asked.

"I noticed that the first time I met him when Mist Runner was taking me there to pick up the knife he gave me--he just rattled off about one thing right after another; he didn't stop until he took time to read the inscription on the back of Red Moon's pendant," Dahmietra said, rolling her eyes.

"I thought his son's eyes were gonna pop right out of his head when we walked up," Kurietta said sticking her tongue out a little.

"It's not surprising, I suppose," Dahmietra said with a sly grin.

"Whatcha mean, Dahmi?" Kurietta asked cocking her head slightly.

"A young guy seeing a gorgeous looking female like you walking up..." Dahmietra replied with just a hint of embarrassment.

Kurietta was a little surprised at Dahmietra's compliment and asked, "Ya think I still look good after all this time?"

"I've been watching the looks people give you when you walk by--I've seen more than a few look appreciatively at you, especially since we left Moon Dancer's shop," Dahmietra replied.

Kurietta smiled and said, "Well, ya don't look bad yourself, hon. Maybe ya oughtta have that gal make ya somethin' like this," Kurietta said indicating her new outfit.

"Ha, Red Moon offered to let me wear one of her breechcloths since my other clothes need to be cleaned," Dahmietra said chuckling with a bit of embarrassment.

"Yah, well, we just don't have all of that thick fur on our chests like she and the other gals here do," Kurietta said with a smirk.

"I don't have_any_ fur...," Dahmietra said.

Kurietta looked at Dahmietra, thought a moment, and said with a grin, "Yah, I suppose that would tend to make things a little drafty for ya, hon."

Dahmietra looked up trying to see where the sun was in the sky, though she was having a little difficulty seeing it through the trees.

"Whatcha lookin' for, Dahmi?" Kurietta asked.

"Oh, I was just trying to see how close to noon it's getting...kind of hard to see the sun through all of the trees," Dahmietra replied.

"Got anything special goin' on later today, Dahmi?" Kurietta asked.

"Sometime this afternoon Mistress Starfire is coming to visit with Warri and me, and then later I think we're all supposed to go see the Lore Masters and tell them about our trip," Dahmietra said.

"Ooo...that's gonna be interesting. Ya know, the way Grimmster's ma can look at someone is enough to frost yer berries, I'll tell ya!" Kurietta said emphatically. "Ya shoulda seen her look at Foxie last night right after Grimmster and his ma and da got done with their little...whatever it was, right after we got to his place. It was enough to give a person the jeebies!" Kurietta said as she recalled the incident from the previous night.

"Hmm, Mist Runner, grandma and grandda stopped and sat down on the ground on the way home and formed a circle...Red Moon said something about them 'joining spirits' or the like," Dahmietra said.

"Well that's strange...think they were all doing somethin' together?" Kurietta asked with a perplexed look on her face.

"I think it had something to do about Foxfire--Mist Runner and Red Moon were talking to them about the things she did during the trip, and suddenly grandda said, 'show us', and that's when they stopped and sat down together and joined hands. It only took a few minutes, I think," Dahmietra replied.

"Hmm, I noticed Foxie half closed her eyes and seemed to be in sort of a trance, but then she popped her eyes open just before Grimmster and his folks were finished. That's when his ma gave Foxie the hard stare. Foxie acted as if she got caught doing somethin' that she shouldn't of, and she seemed kinda sad until she went to bed. Grimmster seemed concerned enough to try and talk to her about it, but she put him off," Kurietta said as she related to Dahmietra what had happened.

"I wonder why they just didn't include Foxfire then," Dahmietra said.

"Dunno. I might ask the Grimmster about it when she's not around," Kurietta said.

"Well, I guess I'd better head back home. Don't forget, tomorrow afternoon we need to stop by Moon Dancer's shop again so that we can get the rest of our things," Dahmietra reminded.

"Yah, I'll wander by after we eat tomorrow. Thanks for takin' me out shoppin' today, Dahmi...I really appreciate ya doin' this for me," Kurietta said as she gave Dahmietra a hug.

It was the first time that Dahmietra had really hugged Kurietta and she felt how silky soft her fur was and noticed the faint sweet musky scent about her.

"It was no trouble, Kuri. See you later, okay?" Dahmietra asked.

"Okay, hon. See ya later!" Kurietta said giving a little wave and then they went their separate ways.

When Dahmietra got back to the den, Red Moon was just starting to fix the midday meal.

"Hi, Dahmi! You're just in time. Did you and Kurietta have a good time this morning?" Red Moon asked.

"We did. I think Kuri and I found what we needed for now. Oh, you should see the new outfit she had Moon Dancer make for her! Um, there's not much to it, but it looks good on her anyway and Kuri really likes it. I guess I might eventually need something other than a couple of bags to keep my things in, but this will do for now I suppose," Dahmietra said.

"That's good, dear. Oh, Mist Runner and I talked about adding a room for you so that you could have your own space," Red Moon said.

"Really? That would be nice...but, that will take a lot of work, wouldn't it?" Dahmietra asked.

"Not really; once we can get one of the stone talkers to come, it won't take too long," she replied.

"'Stone talkers'?" Dahmietra asked.

"Oh, they have the ability to shape rock using magic," Red Moon said.

"Wow that sure would beat having to use picks and such!" Dahmietra exclaimed.

"Certainly, they do a pretty good job at making everything nice and smooth...and no mess, either," Red Moon said.

"Well, I'm going to put my things away and then I'll clean up and help you finish making whatever we're having," Dahmietra said.

"Okay, dear. Mist Runner should be back any time now, so it won't take long to finish this up," Red Moon said.

Dahmietra put the large bag in the back next to her bag of things from her old room at the enclave, and then she came back to wash her hands and help with the preparation of the midday meal.

Warri and I had been out gathering firewood after Red Moon and I had spent part of the morning cleaning and getting supplies.

When we walked in I said, "Something smells good!"

"Well get yourselves cleaned up and sat down, it's ready," Red Moon said with a grin.

Dahmietra told us about the time she spent with Kurietta and the things they did, and she also mentioned what Kurietta had told her about what Foxfire did and the hard look Starfire gave her last night after she had finished with their "communing".

Red Moon, Warri and I all exchanged glances after Dahmietra told us about that, which she noticed.

"Did Foxfire do something that she shouldn't have?" Dahmietra asked.

"Well, it's hard to tell...we don't know the full extent of what Foxfire can do. Last night Grimm and I shared what we could about what Foxfire did during our trip and how it seemed to affect her with not only our parents, but also with the other Lore Masters as well," I replied.

"Kuri said that Foxfire acted like she got caught doing something she shouldn't have and was kind of sad until she went to bed, and her brother had asked her if she wanted to talk about whatever was bothering her, but she put him off," Dahmietra said.

"I wonder if she knew that you were talking about her and tried to listen in on it some way or another," Red Moon said.

"I don't know how that would be possible, but like I said, we don't know the full extent of what she can do. I wouldn't mention this to anyone else, and certainly don't say anything to Mistress Starfire about it, unless she brings it up with you--she may already know that you know about it, but this is something between her and her daughter," I counseled.

"I understand," Dahmietra said, nodding her head.

We ate in silence for a short while until Dahmietra had another question.

She looked up at me and asked, "Kuri and I have been wondering: what is this 'journey_of_ the heart to the Heart', that we have been told about that we have to make?"

Warri perked his ears up at this and became very interested.

"Well...as near as I can figure, it must have something to do with going to the center of the oldest part of The Great Forest for reasons born in your heart of being," I said.

"Sire, do you think it might have anything to do with Dahmietra's and Kurietta's mortality?" Warri asked.

"It's a possibility, Warri. The very heart of The Great Forest is a wondrous place--I have walked this world for over 480 million turns of the seasons, though I have only been there once. There were many First Ones there, as well as their first born, including Grimm, Shri'an, and myself. We were all very young at the time...too young to understand fully the things we saw then. I remember seeing the First Ones as they really are," I explained.

Dahmietra was totally dumbfounded at learning just how old I am, and even Warri was surprised. When Dahmietra looked at Red Moon, she smiled and said, "I'm not quite_that_ old, Dahmi! Not that I've really kept track, but I was born before The Long Cold. So that's been, what...about 30 million turns of the seasons or so, dear?"

"Roughly that," I replied.

"How could you possibly stand the weight of so much time???" Dahmietra asked incredulously.

"It's as I told you before, Dahmi, time doesn't have the same meaning to us," Warri said, taking a sip of water from his drinking bowl.

"That's true, dear...we just don't think about or experience time the same as the Younger Races do," Red Moon agreed.

To say that Dahmietra was having a difficult time comprehending the concept of immortality would be an understatement.

"Dahmi, I'm sure that you--and Kurietta as well--will come to understand a lot more very soon," I said smiling as I reached across the table and held Dahmietra's hand.

After we finished our meal and cleaned up the dishes, Red Moon put on some water for tea and we sat out in the front area to wait for Mistress Starfire to arrive.

It was early in the afternoon when she arrived, though this time Starfire chose to make a more ordinary entrance instead of the rather dramatic one she had made when she met us on our return to the village the day before. Today she wore in addition to her short, white with silver and gold trim breechcloth she wore an open sleeveless robe that was slitted on each side as well as in the back, and embroidered with symbols of her position as a priestess-shaman of The Great Mother.

"Greetings, Mistress Starfire, and welcome," I said as I knelt down on one knee and bowed my head, holding my hands out to her palms up.

She stopped before me and laid her hands on mine and said, "Good afternoon, Mist Runner. I would like to see both Warri and Dahmietra."

"Of course, Mistress, they are waiting for you," I said politely.

She took hold of my hands and indicated for me to rise. When I stood up, I stepped aside to allow her to continue. I was going to fall in slightly behind her, but she surprised me by taking hold of my arm and walking casually beside me. When we got to the front area of the den, Mistress Starfire greeted Red Moon, Dahmietra, and Warri in order.

After everyone was seated, Mistress Starfire said, "Warri, part of the reason for my coming here today concerns the special talents that you have--they are of particular interest to me. When your apprenticeship with the Lore Masters is complete, I will personally see to it that your other skills have the chance to develop to their fullest capability. I will begin your training...later, others will further it. You are familiar with the Nomenara, yes?"

"Yes, Mistress," Warri replied.

"Excellent. I have friends among them, and they have agreed to come and examine you to see if you may benefit from their training in the mental disciplines," Starfire said.

Red Moon and I glanced at one another in surprise.

"The other part of the reason for my coming here today concerns you, Dahmietra," Starfire said turning her attention to Dahmi, which made her a bit nervous. "I am aware of your lineage, and of how it has been manipulated by certain others over many generations of your people. Whatever their reasoning was for doing all of this, it has made you into a very special person, Dahmietra. Yes, very special indeed," she said.

"How so, Mistress?" Dahmietra asked.

Starfire cocked her head a little to one side as she thought how best to answer.

"You have a unique chance to become much more than you are...how much more, we shall see quite soon, I believe. Now then, as for the two of you being together," Starfire said indicating both Warri and Dahmietra, "you need not worry. As you have undoubtedly noticed, my young Warri, Mist Runner's dam is not prone to taking 'no' for an answer. Between her, I, our mates, and Spirit Feather all taking your side, Stream Chaser has been--convinced--into allowing you to continue pursuing your growing relationship," she said.

Dahmietra and Warri became quietly excited at hearing this news and quickly hugged one another. Starfire eased the intensity of her appearance a bit and smiled fondly at them. Red Moon and I also hugged one another upon hearing the news that the head of Warri's clan would allow them to be together--even if it did take the efforts of five other First Ones to get her to agree to it.

"I must be going," Starfire said as she stood up, "I have a little family matter to see to."

Dahmietra strongly wished that Foxfire wasn't going to be in any kind of trouble due to whatever it was she did the night before. We all stood up and Starfire gave both Warri and Dahmietra a gentle hug. As she was pulling away, Starfire looked Dahmietra in the eye and arched an eyebrow a little. She gently stroked the top of Dahmietra's head with her left hand, running it down the right side of her face and cupping her ear briefly. Starfire smiled and very gently kissed Dahmietra on the forehead and gave her a little wink.

"I will see you again later today at the Council Rock. Thank you for your hospitality, Mist Runner and Red Moon," she said as she gave each of us a quick hug before departing.

I walked with Mistress Starfire to the end of the path where we stopped for a moment.

"Dahmietra will begin to change as a result of making her a part of your family--because of her blood, that cannot be stopped; however...exactly what she becomes, especially after she completes the journey to the heart of The Great Forest...I am not certain, but I believe she may very well surprise us all," Starfire said quietly.

She noted the look of concern on my face and added, "Love is the most powerful of all magic, Mist Runner...remember that when you all are gathered at the Heart."

Starfire smiled and lightly touched the side of my face, and then turned away and walked towards Grimm's den.

When I returned to the front portion of our den, Red Moon, Dahmietra and Warri were talking excitedly.

"Well, that was certainly an interesting--and short--visit," I said, glancing back towards the direction of Mistress Starfire.

"Sire, have you had much experience with being among the Nomenara?" Warri asked.

"It's been quite some time since I last saw them, but I have been among them before on several occasions," I replied.

"What are they like?" Dahmietra asked.

"Well, they normally keep to themselves, though they have been known to walk among the other people of the world. It's nearly impossible to know that you might be next to one, though, unless they chose to reveal themselves," I replied.

"What do you mean?" Dahmietra asked with a rather confused look on her face.

"They're shape changers...they can become whatever they want," I replied, much to Dahmietra's amazement.

"I've never heard of any being that can do that!" she exclaimed.

"I wouldn't doubt it, Dahmi. The Nomenara generally don't go around 'showing off' their skills," I said with a grin.

"So, why would they want to come see Warri for?" Dahmietra asked.

"They have very strong mental abilities, including that 'mind-speak' ability that he has and being able to move objects with their thoughts," I replied.

"Do you know what they really look like?" Dahmietra asked.

"As I remember, they're taller than your kind and slender, their skin is about the color of yours, the hair on their heads is white like Foxfire's fur, their eyes are shaped a bit differently and also a pale violet color," I explained.

Dahmietra thought for a bit and said, "I have definitely never heard of anyone looking anything like that. It seems life just keeps getting stranger."

We chuckled at her comment and Red Moon said, "It can get pretty strange, dear, believe me."

We continued talking about various things until a messenger was sent to inform us that it was time to meet with the Lore Masters. We caught up with Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire along the way, and when we saw Kurietta and her new outfit, we nearly howled.

"That is a lot like what you used to wear, Kurietta; it really looks good on you!" I said giving her an appreciative look over.

Red Moon was no less impressed.

"Oh my, Kuri, that does look really good on you, dear!"

Even Warri--though he tried to hide it--gave Kurietta an admiring look.

"Thanks, guys. That gal Moon Dancer sure does a great job," Kurietta said with her usual quirky grin.

"I bet you got an eyeful when she came home wearing that, Grimm," I said teasingly.

He looked first at Kurietta and then me and said grinning, "It did get my attention; and you're right Mist Runner, it does look similar to what she used to wear when we first met."

"That was really nice of you to take Kuri out shopping this morning, Dahmi," Foxfire said.

"Well, we had a nice time walking around and getting some things we needed, didn't we Kuri?" Dahmietra asked.

"Ya got that right, hon. At least I can kick up my heels now," Kurietta said sticking her tongue out a little.

I filled them in on what Starfire had said while we walked towards the Council Rock. Grimm arched an eyebrow when I told him about the Nomenara coming.

"Gee, Warri, mother must think you're pretty special if she asked them to come and see you," Foxfire said with a bit of excitement in her voice.

"Indeed," agreed Grimm, "if anyone could help you learn to use your abilities, I would think they certainly could."

"It should be an interesting experience, Sire," Warri said with a little apprehension in his voice.

Red Moon put her arm around his shoulders and gave Warri a little motherly hug as we walked along and said, "I'm sure you'll do just fine, Warri."

He dropped his ears a little and said, "Thank you, Dam...I hope so."

When we arrived at the stone arch that marks the entrance into the Council Rock area, one of the other apprentices filled the roll that Warri usually performed since he was part of our group. The others had noticed Kurietta's outfit and jewelry, and all agreed that it looked good on her.

Night Song, being her usual self, told Kurietta in her sultry voice, "My, don't you look tasty," while licking her lips a little.

Kurietta inched a little closer to Grimm, pulled her ears back a little, and said with a little apprehension, "Um...thanks, Night Song."

Night Song gave Kurietta a sly grin...that caused Brown Leaf to slap Night Song lightly on the arm.

"Night Song, you scamp! Behave yourself!" she whispered firmly.

Night Song just grinned more and stuck her tongue out at her friend.

Of course, Grimm had heard the comment Night Song had made, so he gave her a stern look and said quietly in his low, deep voice, "Night Song...,"

"Yes Sire?" she said sweetly.

"...no."

"Yes Sire," Night Song said, lowering her ears a bit.

Grimm quietly gave a little snort and turned his attention back towards the archway. Kurietta slipped around to the other side of Grimm so that she could say something to Dahmietra, and thereby putting a little more distance between her and Night Song.

"Hey, Dahmi, ever notice anything a little different about Night Song?" she whispered in Dahmietra's ear.

Dahmietra whispered back, "She does have a really strange sense of humor, why do you ask?"

"She just told me that I looked 'tasty'...and then she licked her lips. Kinda creeped me out a bit," Kurietta whispered.

Dahmietra grinned and whispered back, "She's probably just messing with you."

When we all got situated before the Council Rock (Starfire, Night Blaze and Sky Splitter were there as well), Spirit Feather came forward and greeted us.

"Good afternoon and welcome to all present. Mist Runner, we would like to hear what you and your company have learned while you were away," he instructed.

I got up and stood before the Council Rock and proceeded tell the Lore Masters the pertinent events of the trip. When I had finished, mother looked at me and nodded her head slightly once with a slight smile.

"Thank you, Mist Runner; it seems that you and your group ended up accomplishing much more than what you had set out to do."

"Perhaps it would be wise to have Warri share with us now what he learned while inside the mind of the Wastelander, Tah-Noor," Fire Weaver suggested.

The other Lore Masters agreed, so Fire Weaver stood and went to Warri.

"I will assist you so that you will not suffer more than you already have with this burden you carry," Fire Weaver said gently as she held out her hand to him.

As Warri reached and took Fire Weaver's hand, Starfire also stood and said, "And so will I."

She walked over to join Fire Weaver and they both escorted Warri to the Council Rock where they proceeded to sit in a circle with the other Lore Masters--Sky Splitter and Night Blaze also joined the others in the circle. With the aid of both Fire Weaver and Starfire, Warri recalled in great detail everything that he had learned from Tah-Noor's mind and shared it using his mind-speak ability. I could sense the level of shock and dismay they felt as the information was being related to them. When he had finished, they sat there for a while longer in silence while Fire Weaver and Starfire worked together to soothe Warri's mind and ease his distress at having to recall the painful memories.

"This is most disturbing," Spirit Feather said quietly after they had finished.

"Perhaps for the time being Warri should continue to stay with Mist Runner and Red Moon. He should be among family, and they are as close as he has here," his mentor Stone Toucher suggested.

Spirit Feather looked around the circle and each of the First Ones nodded their head once to show their approval of Stone Toucher's suggestion.

"I believe that would be best as well. Warri, we thank you for sharing this terrible burden with us. You may rejoin the others now, my young friend," Spirit Feather instructed as he patted Warri on the arm.

Warri stood and bowed, and then came back to sit next to Dahmietra. The First Ones talked among themselves for a few more moments and then they all got up and stood behind Spirit Feather as he addressed the rest of us.

"We shall discuss this information at length among ourselves and share this with the Lore Masters of the other clans. Grimm Tooth, perhaps it would be prudent to increase the patrols along our eastern border near The Whispering Hills for the time being, along with whatever other actions you deem necessary, until this issue can be resolved," Spirit Feather said.

"It will be done, Master Spirit Feather," Grimm acknowledged.

Spirit Feather nodded his head once, and then said, "On another issue--Red Moon, your mate's dam has made certain that a message was sent to your parents so that they could arrive in ample time for your bonding with Mist Runner," as he gestured towards Fire Weaver.

Red Moon and I both were happy at hearing this and we hugged briefly.

"Thank you, Mistress Fire Weaver!" she said excitedly.

She smiled warmly and nodded her head.

"We shall be looking forward to not only your bonding, but also to welcoming Dahmietra into our clan," Spirit Feather said smiling as a round of happy howls erupted from the rest of our group. "And of course, after such long wait, we will also finally get to celebrate with much happiness and joy the joining of Grimm Tooth and his beloved Kurietta," he added gesturing towards Grimm and Kuri.

Another round of howls erupted--even Night Blaze and Starfire joined in, as well as my own parents. When everyone quieted down, Spirit Feather thanked us for all that we had accomplished on our trip and then dismissed us.

The next day Red Moon and I arranged to have another room added on to our den for Dahmietra and got additional bedding and a trunk for her to keep her things in. Dahmietra and Kurietta kept their appointment with Moon Dancer to pick up the rest of their things that afternoon. Later in the day, Warri moved in with us and we happily made him feel at home. Over the course of the next half moon, Dahmietra and Kurietta both settled into the routine of village life. Grimm had proper staves made for both and they spent a bit of time each day working out in the practice area with Grimm and the other defenders. Kurietta also began teaching Dahmietra some of the simpler dance routines that she knew, much to Dahmi's enjoyment. Things got busy for us when we had been back for nearly a whole moon. We started making preparations for our joining, Ewvin and Jansina arrived in our village (much to the surprise of the rest of the villagers) so that she could have her child, and Lordan and his group came and brought some musicians and several dancers with them to add to the entertainment (also a pleasant surprise to many, especially to Kurietta).

A few days before our bonding, Red Moon and Dahmietra were just starting to prepare our evening meal while Warri and I were outside by the woodpile getting an armload of wood for the evening fire when we heard a call down by the main path. I heard the door open and then I heard Red Moon howl in joy--her parents, Rain Catcher and Sweet Berry, had arrived after traveling all the way from the far western side of The Great Forest. Warri and I came around to the front of the den, set our load of wood down, and went to greet them along with Dahmietra.

"Red Moon, my joy!" Sweet Berry said excitedly in her western dialect as she threw her arms around her daughter and hugged her tightly.

"Oh, mama, I am so happy to see you! And you, too, my dada!" Red Moon cried, reverting to the western dialect, as she hugged her sire next.

"It is good to see you both again," I said as hugged Red Moon's dam and clasped arms with her sire.

"Is good to see you again also, Mist Runner," Rain Catcher said with a smile.

"So, you and our daughter are to be bonded now, ah?" Sweet Berry asked.

"Yes," I replied as Red Moon and I put our arms around one another, both of us smiling broadly.

"This is good...we have waited much time for this day, and at last it comes!" Rain Catcher said.

"Oh, Mama and Dada, I want you to meet Dahmietra," Red Moon said as she motioned for Dahmi to come forward.

"Dahmi, these are my parents: my mother, Sweet Berry, and my father, Rain Catcher," Red Moon said as she introduced Dahmietra to her parents.

"So, this is the child Mistress Fire Weaver spoke of in her letter to us, ah? She spoke of you with much warmth, little one," Sweet Berry said as she leaned down and sniffed Dahmietra's neck to smell her scent.

Dahmi in turn did the same as she had learned to do when formally greeting family, to the pleasant surprise of Red Moon's parents. Rain Catcher also sniffed Dahmietra's neck and she repeated the same with him, and then they both hugged and nuzzled her as a sign of acceptance.

"And who is your young friend, ah?" Rain Catcher asked. "This is Warri, he's from the Lake Clans, and he's a close friend of Dahmi's," Red Moon said as she introduced him to her parents.

"It is an honor to meet you both," Warri said assuming a respectful submissive stance of a youth meeting elders.

"Such a good mannered lad, ah?" Sweet Berry said as she greeted him warmly.

Warri was pleased that Red Moon's parents seemed to have accepted both Dahmietra and him readily--he hoped that his own family and clan would as well, though with Mistress Stream Chaser having come around and accepting the two of them being together, they would likely not have much to say about it.

"Dahmi and I were just starting to prepare our evening meal; will you come and make yourself comfortable?" Red Moon asked, inviting her parents in.

We all went inside, with Warri and I coming in last and bringing the wood in that we needed.

While Red Moon and Dahmi were preparing the meal, Rain Catcher and Sweet Berry told us about their trip to our village and also of what has been going on back home. Although most of our settlements in The Great Forest consisted of numerous villages, Red Moon's home of Silven Glen is one of the relatively few that can actually be called a proper town. Located in the inland foothills of the mountains near the northwestern coast of The Howling Lands, and just within the border of The Great Forest, Silven Glen has long been established as a center of trade. A small river known as the Little Tooth makes its way towards the much larger and longer river known as the Long Tooth, which ultimately empties into a series of connected lakes that end northeast of Hope's Spring; Warri's own village lies just north of us on one of the small lakes at the eastern end of the series. A system of relay posts allow for messages and small packages to be sent along the main travel routes across The Great Forest. Many of the message runners have the ability to travel by means of The Hidden Ways, which greatly decreases the amount of time to get important messages from one place to another. In the case of Red Moon's parents, however, Fire Weaver had first contacted another First One who resides in their town who made certain that they were informed. Red Moon's parents had stopped along the way in a village to rest. While there, they were met by a message runner who delivered Fire Weaver's letter to them.

After we finished eating our meal, we moved to the front part of our den and snacked on cheese, fruit, and tea while we chatted the whole evening. We told Red Moon's parents about our little adventure, from the time that I met the High Cleric until we made it safely back home.

"Quite a tale, ah?" Sweet Berry looked at her mate and asked after we had finished relating the story.

"So it is, my love," Rain Catcher agreed. "To do so much in so little time...and now all of this after it! Hoo! You will need some time alone, I think," he added, shaking his head.

"We still have more to do yet, Dada," Red Moon said grinning.

Rain Catcher and Sweet Berry looked at one another in wide-eyed wonder. "More?" Rain Catcher asked incredulously.

"After our bonding and adopting Dahmi and bringing her into the clan, Grimm Tooth is finally getting joined so we have that, plus both Dahmi and Warri will be coming of age, and then we have the Equinox celebrations, and after that...we are going to have another trip to make, this time to The Heart," Red Moon explained.

"I thought only First Ones ever walk that path, ah?" Sweet Berry said.

"I've been there, though it was a very long time ago," I said.

Rain Catcher and Sweet Berry both looked at me in wonder. I related the story to them about the time I had went to The Heart with my parents.

Looking to Red Moon I added, "That's where I first met Shri'an."

Red Moon gave me a mildly suspicious look and asked, "Just what kind of a 'friend' is this Shri'an?"

I chuckled a bit and said, "A very large friend, dear. Do you remember those large, shaggy herd animals that used to roam the grasslands towards the end of The Long Cold? I've seen her eat two of them--in one sitting. It didn't take her long, as I remember."

I rubbed my chin while recalling the incident. Dahmietra and Warri looked at me questionly because they had no idea as to the size of Shri'an.

"Think of a tremendously large bird of prey, larger than anything you've ever seen before; now, the animals I mentioned...they were easily the size of about four of those g'han-sa we saw, and she had swooped down and picked up two of them--one in each claw--and climbed to a height and then dropped them. When she landed to feast on her catch, they were devoured in very short order," I explained to their astonishment.

"But they can change into a smaller form, can't they?" Red Moon asked, with still that hint of possible jealousy in her voice.

"Yes, they can, but they're still rather tall...taller than Grimm, if you include the wings. Anyway, Shri'an's personality is kind of like Night Song's--they're two nuts in the same shell, and a cracked one at that," I said chuckling and pointing a finger at the side of my head and moving it around in a circular motion. "She has flown me up to her aerie once," I mentioned, which promptly caused Red Moon to give me a "you did what" look. "It was to take a look at her hatchling who was sick...turned out that he just ate something that didn't agree with him. Going up wasn't too bad, but on the way back down...let's just say that prefer to have the ground solidly beneath me, and not spiraling above me," I said with a squeamish look on my face and sticking my tongue out. That got everyone to laughing.

"Hoo, I can imagine that would not be something to forget," Rain Catcher said shaking his head. After a moment Rain Catcher looked at Sweet Berry and said, "We have had a long trip here; we should get our rest so that we can see this village of theirs properly."

"Oh, do you have a place to stay at, Dada?" Red Moon asked.

"We do, my dear...one of those nice guest dens on the north side of the village. It seems that we were lucky to get one, with the others who also came here from far away, though the proprietor seemed to have been expecting us," Rain Catcher mused. "No matter, my joy; we thank you for the meal and the hospitality this evening, and it was good meeting you Dahmietra, and you, too, Warri. We will see you around noon perhaps, if that is not too early," Rain Catcher said.

"We will be looking forward to seeing you then. Would you like for us to walk you back to your quarters?" I asked.

"You are most kind, Mist Runner. Come, my darling," Rain Catcher said gently, offering his hand to his mate. Sweet Berry got up and taking Red Moon by the hand, we all walked together taking Red Moon's parents back to the guest den they would be staying in during their visit.

On the way back to our den I asked Red Moon jokingly, "So, you were all set to get jealous of Shri'an, eh, dear?" as I put my arm around her waist.

Red Moon looked up at me, dropped her ears a little, and said, "I'm sorry, dear, I know that I shouldn't be because I know you want to be with me more than anything else."

I gave Red Moon a lick behind her ear and said quietly, "I've got all that I'll ever need right here. Besides, one of these days, you'll probably meet Shri'an, and then you'll see that she's okay...in a crazy sort of way. Just don't accept a ride from her if you can--you might end up losing your last meal somewhere along the way."

I gave a little smirk and Red Moon asked, "That bad?"

I nodded my head and using my hand, indicated some of the crazy moves she made in the air. After my little demonstration, Red Moon gave me a worried look.

"How did you manage to hang on through all of that?" she asked.

"I closed my eyes, hung on very tightly, and howled the whole...way...down," I replied giving myself a little shake.

"I couldn't imagine what you could have seen so far up into the sky...," Dahmietra said.

"Huh, the way Shri'an was flying, I didn't have much time to look...I was trying to keep my last meal down," I said with a grimace.

Warri tried to suppress a snicker, though he wasn't very successful, especially since Red Moon snickered as well.

Early the next morning Dahmietra and I went out to meet Grimm and Kurietta at the practice area for our daily workout. Along the way, we spied Ewvin out and about, so we stopped and talked with him for a little bit to see how he and especially Jansina were doing.

"Ayooo, Ewvin! Good morning to you!" I called out to him as we made our way over to see him.

He turned and waved happily when he recognized us.

"Good morning to you both!" Ewvin greeted us in return when we caught up to him.

"How is Jansina coming along?" I asked.

"She is doing fine under your mother's care, thank you. It should be nearly any time now, I think. They shooed me out for a while, I guess I was pacing a bit much," he said with a slightly embarrassed grin.

I smiled and said, "When it's time, we'll come and be with you and Jansina to welcome your little one into this life."

Ewvin extended his hand, we clasped arms, and he said, "Thank you Mist Runner...for everything."

"Glad to be of help, Ewvin. Dahmietra and I are heading to the practice area to meet Grimm and Kurietta for our morning workout; when we finish, we'll come by and see how things are going," I said.

Ewvin took his leave and we continued on our way to meet Grimm and Kurietta.

"I wonder what they are going to have," Dahmietra said as we walked along.

"Mother said Jansina is going to have a girl cub--she's never wrong about that," I said with a grin.

"I guess this village is aptly named," Dahmietra said.

"How so, dear?" I asked.

"Well," she explained, "a spring provides water which all life needs and there is a lot of life to be found here, the season of spring is a time of renewal in the world, and here there is also much hope, too. Ewvin and Jansina came here with hope to bring a new life into this world, which renews their family tree by adding another branch to it, and both Kurietta and I have come here with hope of a future. Maybe others will find hope here, too."

Dahmietra looked up at me and smiled, and I put my arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug.

While we were working out, Kurietta was pleased at how well Dahmietra was progressing with her training in the use of a staff. She had already mastered the basic moves and had begun learning more advanced skills, and working on increasing her speed and accuracy. I had also been teaching her how to wield a knife, and Grimm had been helping her with her physical conditioning.

At one point Grimm quipped, "At this rate, Dahmietra, you could become one of our defenders if you want to."

Dahmietra was a bit surprised at Grimm's suggestion--she had never thought of such a thing, until he mentioned it.

"Ha, wouldn't that just put a burr under the tail of some of my former people!" she exclaimed with a big grin.

Grimm, Kurietta, and I laughed at the way she said that. Dahmietra tried to imagine wearing armor and joining ranks with others of Mist Runner's people out on a patrol.

"I don't think I'd be very good at night, though--I can't see in the dark like you can," she said after a few moments.

"Well, maybe not hon, but ya can sure give 'em what for in the daytime!" Kurietta said cheerfully.

"Ha, I can just imagine the look on Salzar's face the next time we go to Cedar Knoll," I snickered.

Dahmietra stuck her tongue out at me playfully.

"That reminds me," Grimm said rubbing his chin and grinning, "I wonder if his mate ever found out about Brown Leaf kissing him like she did."

"Yah, I'm sure he won't be forgettin' that any time soon, not the way she was goin' at it with him," Kurietta said as she started laughing, remembering the look on Salzar's face.

"I wouldn't doubt he'll stay well hid if Night Song were to be with us. Knowing her, she might try to even the score with Brown Leaf," I said shaking my head.

Grimm arched an eyebrow and said with a sly grin, "I hope not...for his sake."

Dahmietra's cheeks turned a shade red and she had to look away while trying to keep from getting too embarrassed by what Grimm had implied. Still, she couldn't keep from grinning at the thought of any of the men folk of her former people trying to deal with a female like Night Song.

After taking a break in our training, Kurietta and Dahmietra got up to go practice some more.

As I was just about to get up, Grimm put his hand on my arm and said, "Hold up a moment."

I gave Grimm a questioning look and he said quietly in our language,

"Watching Dahmietra practice with using her knife reminded me of something that I wanted to mention to you when it was a good time...I suppose now would be as good as any."

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's on your mind?"

"Back at the inn, the morning when Tah-Noor tried to grab Dahmietra--I saw the look in her eyes when she pulled her knife on him," he said.

"And...?" I prompted.

"For a brief moment, I saw...a cold, silent rage in them," he added.

I thought for a moment and then said, "Well, given the history of poor treatment many of their males have inflicted upon the females of their society, and also what she had gone through at The Gathering, I suppose it could be understandable in a way."

Grimm considered my words and then nodded his head.

"I was hoping that it didn't have anything to do with her particular heritage," Grimm said after a moment.

"I understand, Grimm. Ever since we learned that she has some Dark Blood in her, I've been paying closer attention to what I sense in her, but so far, there's been nothing to worry about in the least. My dam has not noticed anything to be concerned about, either. However, there is something peculiar about her blood that makes her very special for some reason," I said.

Grimm looked at me and raised an eyebrow.

"It was something your dam said to me the other day when she was leaving after she came by to visit with Warri and Dahmietra. I guess we'll find out soon enough, I suppose. Oh, Dahmi and I saw Ewvin on our way here--Jansina should have her child nearly any time now," I added.

Grimm smiled at that bit of news and said, "I will spread the word to the others after we finish here."

When we got home after our morning workout, Dahmi and I told Red Moon and Warri about Jansina so we all went to my parent's den to see how she and Ewvin were doing. Fern Leaf came out briefly to greet us when we arrived and informed us that the young couple's child was on the way out, and then she went back inside to assist. It was not long until Grimm, Kurietta, and Foxfire joined us; Grimm said that the others were on their way. About the time they arrived, Fern Leaf came out and asked Foxfire if she would come in.

Fire Weaver motioned for Foxfire to come and sit nearby, and asked, "Would you mind singing a little song for the little cubling, dear?"

"I can do that," Foxfire grinned.

She put her hands on both Jansina's and Ewvin's shoulders and began to sing a sweet, gentle song of welcoming. The usual shimmer in Foxfire's fur changed and began glowing with a soft silvery white light as she sang. Both Ewvin and Jansina felt the presence of The Great Mother with them as their child made her transition into the world. With Fire Weaver's help, the birthing process was surprisingly easy to Jansina. When the little one was fully out, Fern Leaf gently cleaned the child and wrapped her in a cloth before handing her to her mother.

"In the traditions of your people, do you have a name for your child?" Fire Weaver asked both Ewvin and Jansina.

"We give our child the name Maiyana, after Jansina's mother's mother," Ewvin said proudly.

"Then among those of your kind she shall be known as Maiyana; among our own people she shall also be known as Tree Song--the first of her kind ever to be born within The Great Forest," Fire Weaver said with gentle, though ancient, authority in her voice as she touched the side of the child's face.

Our group plus--once word got out--several more of the villagers were waiting outside the healer's den with growing excitement for the announcement. When we could hear Foxfire's clear voice beginning to sing, a hush fell across those assembled. It wasn't long until Ewvin came out with a small bundle in his arms and flanked by both Fire Weaver and Foxfire.

Fire Weaver announced, "On this day we celebrate a new life that has come into our world. This girl cub, born of Ewvin and Jansina, shall be known among their people, the Southlanders, as Maiyana after Jansina's mother's mother--among our people she shall also be known as Tree Song."

At that moment, Ewvin held their girl child up for all to see and the whole crowd erupted into howls of joy as we welcomed her into this life. The sounds of our howls soon spread throughout the village as everyone stopped what they were doing to join in on the joyous occasion. We all formed a line and, beginning with myself, took a turn at touching little Tree Song as a way of personally welcoming her. When all immediately present had a chance to greet the child, Fire Weaver took her and Ewvin back inside to be with Jansina. Later that evening we held another village-wide celebration with food and music, and many brought gifts for the young couple and their child. Ewvin and Jansina had never witnessed such a celebration for a newborn before--among the Southlanders, it was typically just a quiet gathering of the immediate family and some friends. Although they were amazed by all of the attention, they were pleased beyond words at the feeling of welcome they were given. Even Dahmietra was amazed, for among her own people there would be very little if any celebration, especially for a girl child born of poor commoners.

A few days after the birth of Ewvin and Jansina's child, Red Moon and I began the preparations for our bonding. Warri's parents, Nurri and Sassa, also arrived within this time and they met Dahmietra. I could tell that they were a bit hesitant with her at first, but they seemed to quickly warm up to Dahmi and began to get more comfortable with the idea that their son had fallen in love with an outlander female.

When I got the chance to do so in private, I asked Warri, "How are your parents taking to you and Dahmietra being together so far?"

Warri thought for a moment and said with a mild sigh, "They seem to like her well enough, I suppose...but I can tell that they are concerned."

"I understand why they would be: you're both young, and there is also the fact that she's a mortal--that's something we've all been concerned with," I said gently.

"I know, Sire. I've thought about it over and over, and Dahmi and I have both discussed it...but we're determined to enjoy our time together, however long that might be," Warri said.

I smiled and patted Warri on the shoulder and said, "I know you are."

I thought about telling him what Mistress Starfire told me about Dahmi, though I was concerned with the information slipping out while they were talking. I made a quick look around to see if anyone might notice, and seeing that no one was paying too much attention to us at the moment, I quietly got Warri to look at me and I nonchalantly tapped the side of my head, indicating that I wanted to have a really private conversation with him. Taking the hint, Warri reached out to me with his mind as we both looked out towards the village.

When he let me know that he had formed the connection between us, I said to him in my mind, "Warri, there's something that I think you should know, but I want to make it very clear that this is not to be shared...understand?"

"Yes, Sire," he acknowledged.

"The other day when Mistress Starfire was leaving, I walked her to the main path. When we got there, she told me something about Dahmi, and it apparently has to do with her blood. When we perform the formal adoption ritual, Dahmi is going to begin to change and that it can't be helped...just what kind of changes, she wasn't sure, though she did say that Dahmi could end up surprising us all. I haven't shared this with Red Moon yet, though I did hint about it to Grimm. Since you are going to be spending a lot of time with her, I thought I might let you know just in case you happen to notice anything. If she should mention feeling anything out of the ordinary, encourage her to tell us about it if she hadn't already. This probably has something to do with her heritage, though where this path leads...we can't be certain. Oh, and Mistress Starfire made it a point to say that we should remember that love is the greatest of all magics when we reach The Heart. I guess that is something we'll know when it's time to know it. Anyway, I thought that since this may very well affect your relationship, I should tell you. But make sure that you do not mention it to Dahmietra, at least not for now," I explained.

Warri looked up at me and said along the mental link, "Thank you Sire. She will not know of this from me. If I should notice anything unusual, I will let you know."

I nodded my head once and then suggested, "We probably should go join the others."

"Yes, Sire," Warri agreed.

The night before our bonding, Red Moon and I were lying together in bed and talking quietly between ourselves after settling down for the night. Dahmi and Warri were lying together on the other side of our sleeping area near where her room was to be created.

"Getting nervous about tomorrow, dear?" I asked quietly as I nuzzled Red Moon.

"A little...I wonder what they're going to do to us," Red Moon replied.

"It's not going to hurt, if that's what you're worried about," I said playfully.

"No, it's not that...I just wonder what they are going to change in us to make it happen. I guess it's just the idea of having someone messing around in my head," she said quietly.

"Thinking about what Warri did to Tah-Noor?" I whispered in her ear.

She looked at me for a moment and then nodded her head.

"This is not the same as that. There is a reason why it's easier for them to do this with one like me than it is for someone who was born a generation or more later," I said quietly.

"And why is that, do you know?" Red Moon asked.

"I think it has something to do with the fact that ones like Grimm and I are closer to the First Ones. I think my parents were bonded to each other before they appeared on this world; some of us First Born, including Grimm, Shri'an, and I, think that the First Ones can bond with each other without assistance from others while those of us who were born on this world need help. Not sure why, though," I explained.

Red Moon was quiet for so long that I thought she might have fallen asleep, but then she said, "I was thinking about that one night when you and Meri's spirit was talking and when she said how you appeared to her. Then there was that whole thing about touching her hand...maybe you and Grimm are closer to being like your parents than the rest of us." Red Moon turned on her side to lie facing me.

"Hey, ya guys talkin' about me?" said a somewhat hollow-sounding familiar voice behind me.

Red Moon suddenly got a shocked look on her face.

"Ghah!!!" she exclaimed as she drew back, pulling the covering up over her chest when she saw a face pop up over my shoulder.

Dahmietra and Warri also were similarly startled like Red Moon as they suddenly awoke and saw the intruder. I knew immediately who it was--if it had been a living person, I would have sensed their presence long before they had gotten this far into the den.

I sighed and rolled over to my back and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Meri, nice of you to just appear out of nowhere, without any warning."

"Aw gee, Misty, I just heard ya yakkin' about me so I thought I'd pop in and see ya. Ooo, ya know, hon, I did rather fancy getting ya in bed one day...better late than never, eh?" Meri's spirit said with a sly grin as she ran her fingers through the fur on my chest (which I could feel, by the way).

"Um, Meri...you kind of lost that chance a long time ago, remember? Kuri, I think, tried to get you to come with us but you were too busy flitting around," I said being a little disturbed by the fact that I had a spirit in bed with me who was feeling a bit randy.

Meri's spirit said with a pouty look on her face, "Yah, hon...I remember."

She played with the fur on my chest a little longer and then Meri grinned, apparently thinking of something. Before I knew it--and much to everyone's shock--Meri's spirit slid on top of me and she began nuzzling my neck. Red Moon definitely did not like this at all.

"Oh, by The Great Circle, girl, just what do you think you're trying to do with my mate???" Red Moon asked angrily.

Meri's spirit looked at Red Moon and grinned.

"Aw, we can share, can't we?" she asked coyly as she sat up, straddling me. "I just wanna give ol' Misty a little...present, before his big day," Meri's spirit added wiggling her hips a bit.

"What??? Why I...OOO!!!" Red Moon exclaimed and started to raise her fist.

I quickly sat up and put my hands on Meri's shoulders and said, "Meri, please! I have a mate now...I can't, and I won't!"

"But you would with the Grimmster's little sis, so why not with me?" Meri's spirit asked feeling a bit hurt.

"That's different...," I started to say but Meri cut me off.

"Oh? Is it because I'm Skunatii?" she said getting a bit upset.

"No, of course not, Meri...it's just a whole totally different situation with Foxfire, it's got nothing to do with you being Skunatii. And how did you know about Foxfire anyway?" I asked.

Meri's spirit gave me a smug look and said, "She said so."

"She what?" Red Moon asked, not quite believing what she just heard.

"Yah! I was gonna pop in and see Kuri, but she was sleeping, and I heard the Grimmster and his little sis talkin' about ya...so, I checked it out to see what they were sayin'," Meri's spirit said.

"So, besides entering someone's home uninvited and trying to mess around with someone's mate, you spy on people, too? If this is the way you act while dead, I can just imagine what kind of a person you were while you were alive!" Red Moon said rather caustically.

Red Moon's harsh words stung Meri hard and she got up and walked over towards the doorway to the front room where she stopped and started to cry.

"I...I'm not a bad person! I just wanna have a little fun for once!" she wailed.

I was just thinking that this situation was getting totally out of control and wondering what I could do to keep it from getting any worse when Warri got up and went over to Meri's spirit. He put his hand on her shoulder and closed his eyes. I could see in the dim light of the low lamp flame that they both flinched and then his ears and tail dropped.

She turned around with a great sadness on her face, looked at Warri, and said between sniffles, "You know, don't you?"

Warri nodded his head slowly once and said, "I...saw."

He turned and looked at the rest of us and suddenly we could see images in our minds of the life Meri lived. We quickly saw from when she was little, to when she watched helplessly as her sister was swept away by the flood. Then came the string of bad relationships, the long days and nights spent totally alone and heart broken, the despair, and the final moments of her life which ended while she should have been in her prime.

"I just wanted to be with someone who didn't treat me like something they stepped in...," she said sadly when Warri had finished, and started to sob quietly, covering her face with her hands.

Days ago, I wondered what had become of her, and now that I knew, I felt a great sorrow. Red Moon's earlier words now left a bitter taste in her mouth after learning this about Meri and she felt tears welling up in her own eyes.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Warri said, "Sire, when we first met Meri after we left the outpost, when we all tried to see if we could feel her touch...I 'saw' a part of this then. Mistress Starfire has helped me a little already in using the ability I have to 'see' as she does."

"And you just shared with us what you 'saw' and not her memories, right?" I asked.

"Mostly, Sire...some of it was of her feelings from then," Warri replied quietly.

"Oh...what a tail-for-brains I've been!" Red Moon said and she got up, went over to where Meri's spirit was standing, and said, "I'm so sorry, Meri...I tend to get jealous easily, and I know I shouldn't. I shouldn't have said those things! Please forgive me?!" Red Moon pleaded, holding her hands together in front of her and dropping her ears and tail down.

After a few moments, Meri choked down her sobs and said, "Y...ya were right, though...I did stick my nose where I shouldn't, a-and I just made a mess of things again, just like all the other times!" Meri turned to look at me and I could see the pain on her face, "I'm sorry, Misty...I shouldn't have come back! I shoulda just stayed where I was, back where I died at!"

Meri's spirit started to fade from view as she bawled, the sound of her voice becoming more hollow sounding as if it was receding into the distance. Red Moon shot me a pained look and I hurriedly got up and rushed towards her.

"Meri, wait! Don't' go!" I cried out.

I reached out and wrapped my arms around her form, and even as I did, I could feel her quickly becoming more insubstantial. Thinking quickly, I desperately summoned all of what I had within me to pull her back--all of my strength, all of my will, all of my magic. I was determined to use all of my power to call forth the heritage of my ancestors, however far back in time they went. I suddenly felt a rush of energy unlike any I have ever felt before. Red Moon quickly backed away, as did Warri, as they saw me begin to glow intensely not unlike Foxfire has done before. I recalled the image of the 'dream' I had in my youth of both my parents as balls of swirling light suspending me between them, myself being somewhere between solid and light. I bent my entire will towards being like them so that I could stand in both this world and in the spirit realm...and then I remembered the ancient words of the Song of Calling. Even as I poured every bit that I could into what I was doing, somehow I was able to sing the Song. I felt as if I had become a blaze of light and the rush of the power unleashed caused my spirit to soar higher than it had ever gone before. I could feel Meri become solid in my grasp, I smelled her scent, and could sense her presence where I hadn't before. I pulled...I pulled with all of my might as I did trying to rescue Grimm the night Kurietta was lost in the flood. A tremendous flow of energy surged and crackled, warping time and distance...I sensed a rush of displacement, and then suddenly I felt as if I had been struck from behind and everything went dark.

Fire Weaver and Sky Splitter were sitting in their den having a late snack, when a huge surge of magical energy suddenly caught their attention.

"What is that?" Fire Weaver said with surprise as she looked at her mate.

"I don't know, it's certainly powerful...I've not felt the like in ages," Sky Splitter said greatly concerned.

The two First Ones literally dropped what they were doing and rushed out to find the source of the energy. On the way across the village, Starfire met up with them.

"It's coming from you son's den!" Starfire exclaimed when she met up with her friends.

As they ran towards Mist Runner's and Red Moon's den, several of the villagers who were more sensitive to magic poked their heads out wondering what could possibly be going on.

When they got to their son's den, Sky Splitter put his arm out and said cautiously, "Hold...we should not go in just yet."

"What is it, dear?" Fire Weaver asked with growing concern.

"Time and distance are being altered...something is being pulled through, but from where and when?" Sky Splitter said.

"I sense it, too...," Starfire said as she half closed her eyes while trying to "see" what was going on inside. "Oh...my...he's actually doing it!!!" Starfire said as she popped her eyes open widely.

"Doing what, Starfire?" Fire Weaver asked her friend.

"He's pulling Kurietta's sister here, through time...and he's...becoming in order to do it!!!"

Fire Weaver and Sky Splitter looked at each other in awe.

"You mean he's forcing it?!" Fire Weaver asked in shock.

"I believe so!" Starfire replied.

Spirit Feather joined them outside and asked, "So you felt it, too? What is happening?"

"Starfire believes that our son, in order to bring Kurietta's sister here, through time, he is forcing himself to become as we are," Sky Splitter told his cousin.

"Is that possible?" Spirit Feather asked incredulously.

"He is one of the oldest of the First Born, and so he is already closer in nature to us than most of the other younger ones, so it may very well be possible for him," Fire Weaver replied.

They waited outside until they sensed it was safe to enter. Sky Splitter walked in first, entering cautiously as he examined the area. From the back where the sleeping area is, he could see a glow of light not caused by any lamp. Fire Weaver, Starfire, and Spirit Feather were a short distance behind him. Sky Splitter started to put his hand on the doorway, but stopped before actually touching it.

"This wall still has some residual magical energy--best not to touch it yet until it fades," he cautioned the others.

Walking into the sleeping area, he saw Mist Runner lying on the floor on his back and apparently unconscious, and glowing with little motes of light dancing around him, and there was a smaller black and white furred female sprawled on top of him. Red Moon, Dahmietra, and Warri were huddled together in shock at the very back of the room.

"Grandda!" Dahmietra cried out when she saw Sky Splitter and she rushed into his arms and hugged him tightly.

Fire Weaver knelt down beside her son, took his hand in hers, and placed her other hand on his forehead to check his condition.

"He's...okay," she said looking up to her mate and to Starfire and Spirit Feather.

"And the change?" Starfire asked.

Fire Weaver closed her eyes for a moment and then, nodding her head said, "You were right."

The glowing gradually subsided as Fire Weaver continued to check the condition of her son until it faded into a faint shimmer that was barely noticeable.

She then checked the form of the one lying on top of Mist Runner and said to both Starfire and Spirit Feather, "Our skills are needed quickly with this one if she is to live."

"Grandma, you can put Meri on my bed over here," Dahmietra offered.

Fire Weaver smiled and nodded her head, and then picked up Meri's body and laid it on Dahmi's bedding.

"There is a strong poison in her, I must remove it quickly. Dahmietra, fetch me a food bowl please, and some water and a cloth," Fire Weaver instructed.

Dahmi quickly went to the front room to get the needed items.

"We must rejoin her spirit with her body from the past," Starfire said to Spirit Feather. He nodded his head and then paused a bit.

"Hers is a troubled spirit, full of sadness and despair--she needs a reason to live," he said shaking his head slowly.

Dahmi brought out the items that Fire Weaver asked for.

"Good, now I will need your help, dear...it's not going to be pleasant," Fire Weaver instructed Dahmietra.

"Just tell me what you need me to do, Grandma," Dahmi said.

Fire Weaver worked to draw out the poisonous contents of Meri's stomach and into the bowl that Dahmi held next to Meri's head. After the noxious contents were in the bowl, Dahmi set it down to the side and proceeded to clean Meri's face.

"Warri, I need you to do something for me, if you would," Fire Weaver said.

He promptly came over and said, "Certainly Mistress, what may I do?"

Fire Weaver instructed Warri to make haste to her den and bring back a certain bottle containing a special tonic. When he was certain that he understood her instructions, he rushed off to get the item.

While Fire Weaver worked to remove the toxins from Meri's body, Starfire and Spirit Feather worked on restoring Meri's spirit. Foxfire showed up shortly after Warri left.

"Um, hi Red Moon...I thought I felt something really weird coming from here a little while ago," she said as she poked her head into the sleeping area.

Foxfire went to place her hand on the edge of the doorway into the sleeping area when there was a low crackling sound as residual energy tried to reach out to her hand. There was a brief flash, though the energy from the wall never reached Foxfire's hand--a shield of her own energy, similar to the one she had around her near the site of The Gathering--sprung up around Foxfire's hand, blocking the energy discharge from the wall.

"Now, that was certainly not nice of you! Bad!" Foxfire scolded the wall. Foxfire walked on into the room, gave the wall a stern look, and wagged her finger at it. "Behave yourself!" she admonished the wall. When Foxfire turned her attention back to the others in the room, she saw Mist Runner lying on the floor with Red Moon and Sky Splitter by his side, and the others around Dahmi's bed apparently working on someone who looked very familiar to her.

"Is he okay?" Foxfire asked as she knelt down beside Mist Runner.

"He's out cold, but Fire Weaver says that he'll be alright," Sky Splitter said.

"Gee, he looks awfully uncomfortable lying on the floor like that," Foxfire observed.

"Let's get him into bed," Red Moon said.

Between the three of them, they got Mist Runner on the bed and covered him, and then Red Moon and Sky Splitter filled Foxfire in on what had happened.

Warri came back after a while with the bottle of tonic and Fire Weaver got some down Meri's throat without causing her to gag on it.

When Starfire and Spirit Feather finished their work, Dahmietra suggested, "Um, Master Spirit Feather? You said a while ago that Meri is really sad...could Foxfire help her in some way that might compliment what you've been doing?"

Spirit Feather and Starfire quickly glanced at one another and then Spirit Feather smiled and gently touched his hand to Dahmietra's cheek.

"She may indeed, Dahmietra. Warri, may I trouble you for one more errand?"

"Certainly, Master," Warri replied.

"Would you mind fetching Kurietta and Grimm Tooth and bring them here please? I know it is late, but Meri needs her sister now," he asked.

"Certainly, Master. I shall return shortly," Warri said and he quickly struck off to do his errand.

Knowing that it wasn't quite the proper way to announce oneself, the situation was a special circumstance so Warri went all the way up to the door and knocked.

"Sire Grimm Tooth? It's Warri. Master Spirit Feather sent me to fetch you and Dam Kurietta," Warri called out as he knocked on the door again.

He heard voices and the unmistakable footsteps of Grimm approaching the door. Grimm recognized Warri's voice and knew that he wouldn't come knocking on his door at this late hour unless there was something urgent.

"Kuri, wake up. We're needed for something...now," Grimm said as he gave Kurietta a nudge.

She woke up and yawned, rubbing her eyes and asked, "Huh? What's up, Grimmster?"

"Warri's knocking on the door and saying that Master Spirit Feather needs us," he said as he quickly got up and put on his breechcloth and belt.

Kurietta got up and grumbled something under her breath as she slipped on her outfit and tied the thongs in the front.

When Grimm opened the door, Warri said, "Something happened at Sire Mist Runner's and you're both needed."

Without hesitation, Grimm snatched up Kurietta and took off at a run towards his friend's home with Warri trying to keep up.

Grimm sat Kurietta down on her feet when they arrived and walked on inside. Warri was panting a bit by the time he got there, but he didn't complain.

"Mist Runner? Red Moon?" Grimm called out as soon as he stepped inside.

"Back here Grimm!" he heard Red Moon answer.

"Mind the doorway, Grimmie...it might misbehave again," he heard Foxfire say as he walked around the table to the sleeping area.

Grimm wondered what Foxfire was doing here, not having noticed her slip out of the den earlier, the fact of which he found somewhat annoying that he somehow didn't notice something like that; he also wondered what she was referring to about the doorway--it looked intact to him. Unfortunately, due to his size, his arm brushed up against the edge of the doorway as he passed through it and there was a little crackle followed quickly by quiet snarl and the scent of singed fur. Grimm looked at the edge of the wall as he rubbed his arm and noticed that it had an odd look to it, and then he saw Foxfire giving him an "I told you so" look. Looking around the room and quickly sizing up the situation, he saw Mist Runner lying on his bed with Red Moon and his sire sitting next to him; on the other side of the room, he saw Master Spirit Feather, Mistress Fire Weaver, Mistress Starfire and Dahmietra sitting with someone lying on her bed. Kurietta was right behind Grimm and slipped around to his right side with Warri coming around to the left.

"What has happened here?" Grimm asked.

"Uh, Grimmie, Kuri...I hope you guys ready for one of those big 'whammy' moments, because you're both about to have a big one," Foxfire said with a little grin.

"Is Misty okay?" Kurietta asked with concern, getting a little frown on her face seeing him lying there apparently unconscious.

"Yeah...but, look over there," Foxfire said jabbing a finger over towards Dahmietra's bed.

Spirit Feather and Starfire stood up and moved aside so that Grimm and Kurietta could see whom Foxfire was pointing at. Kurietta gave a strangled cry and looked in complete shock at the figure lying on Dahmietra's bed. She covered her mouth with her hand, held out the other one and took a hesitant step forward, not believing her eyes. Grimm's jaw dropped in utter surprise as he placed a hand on Kuri's shoulder.

"How is this...?" he started to ask.

Giving Mist Runner a quick glance, Starfire said, "It was his doing...we're not sure how he did it, but he was able to reach across time and distance, back to where and when she was dying from a poison, and somehow bring her here. We saved her life, but she needs your help now to live."

"Meri...???" Kurietta said not comprehending yet what had happened.

Foxfire took Kurietta by the hand and led her over to the bed so that she could sit beside Meri. Kurietta reached out slowly and hesitantly touched Meri's arm, and then she threw herself on Meri and started sobbing.

"Meri...ya little fur ball...what happened to ya, girl? Oh...I've missed you so much!" Kurietta said as she ran her fingers through Meri's fur. "I love ya, hear me? I love ya, love ya, love ya!!!" Kurietta said as she kissed her younger sister repeatedly.

"Foxfire, perhaps you can help Kurietta show Meri how much she is loved so that she will have reason to live," Fire Weaver suggested.

Foxfire grinned and said, "I can do that," and she took a hold of Meri's hand and placed it on Kurietta's chest, and took Kurietta's hand and placed it on Meri's chest.

Foxfire proceeded to do in a similar fashion what she had done to Lordan, though she concentrated on showing Meri how much Kurietta loved her sister, and adding what she sensed how both Grimm and Mist Runner felt about her as well. Spirit Feather could sense what Foxfire was doing and smiling, he nodded to both Starfire and Fire Weaver.

Slowly I started to become aware of my surroundings--first was familiar scents, then a muffled buzzing sound in my ears that grew louder and more distinct, and then there was light. When I opened my eyes I saw dim faces looking at me from an odd angle--until I realized that I was lying down on a bed. When I tried to raise my hand, I felt someone take a hold of it and kiss it. After blinking a few times, the face belonging to the person holding my hand turned out to be Red Moon.

"He's awake!" I heard her call out and then I heard sounds of others gathering around.

The other face I saw was that of my dam, Fire Weaver. I could tell by her expression that she was relieved.

"You had us worried, my son," she said gently.

"Where...am I?" I asked slowly with my mouth feeling as dry as a dust storm.

"You're in your own bed, dear. Thirsty? Here's some water...," Red Moon said as she put her arm behind my head and lifted me up a bit to drink.

The water felt cool, and it seemed like the inside of my mouth was soaking it up like a rag. When I had drained the drinking bowl, I nodded my head and Red Moon laid me back down and nuzzled me.

"What happened?" I asked, looking first to Red Moon and then to my dam.

"You...fell backwards and hit your head on the floor and then passed out," Red Moon said.

"Do you remember anything yet, dear?" my dam asked.

I thought for a bit and then I remembered, "Meri! Is she...?"

I saw my dam and Red Moon both exchange glances and looked at someone else, and then I became nervous.

"I didn't...harm her, did I?" I asked hesitantly, not quite sure if I wanted to know the answer to that question or not.

"That was quite an extraordinary feat you managed, Mist Runner," I heard Mistress Starfire say.

"Quite so," I heard my sire's voice agree as he came into my view. I heard the door to our den open suddenly, followed by someone who moved quickly towards the sleeping area.

"He's awake??? Where is that crazy ol' wolf??? Let me see 'im!!!" I heard Kurietta exclaim loudly as she made her way towards the bed.

I started to sit up when I suddenly had a black and white furred body pounce on me, wrapping arms tightly around me in a fierce hug. I put my arms around Kurietta and held her, smelling the sweet musky scent that she normally had. Kurietta started to cry quietly, though when she eventually pulled back enough to look at me, she was smiling.

"Oh, Misty!!! I don't know how ya did it, ya crazy ol' fur ball, but...I'd trade all of the berries in the world for whatcha did! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she said excitedly as she kissed me repeatedly to emphasize her words.

I looked to Red Moon and then to my parents, not understanding what was going on.

"Perhaps we should let him see for himself," I heard Mistress Starfire suggest.

My parents both looked briefly and one another and then nodded their heads.

"Um, Kuri...would you mind...?" Red Moon said as she put her hand on Kurietta's shoulder.

"What? Oh..., sure," Kuri said as she finally got off of my chest and stood up.

"Up you go, dear...that's it, nice and slow," Red Moon said as she helped me to sit up.

"How long was I out for?" I asked after I was sitting up.

"All night," Red Moon replied smiling at me.

"I feel like I've been up for several days," I grumbled as I started to stand.

Red Moon, Kurietta and my dam all helped me up. When I was on my feet, Dahmietra came over and gave me a hug. She looked tired, as did Red Moon, Warri and Kurietta--they must have been up all night worrying about me.

"So, what happened to Meri?" I asked just as I saw Mistress Starfire and Foxfire, too, apparently sitting beside someone lying on Dahmietra's bedding.

Foxfire looked up and said, "Oh, hi Mist Runner! Glad to see you up, finally. That was certainly something that you did last night! We've been trying to figure out how you did it."

Foxfire stood up and came over to give me a hug. I knew that Foxfire always has a light scent of flowers, but I scented another type of flower that I've only known one other person who used a perfume made of it.

Foxfire said, "Let's take you over to her now," with a sly grin on her face. As everyone walked with me over to Dahmietra's bedding I quickly noticed that the wall and floor and ceiling near the doorway to the front part of the den looked...odd...but my thoughts went quickly to the figure lying on Dahmi's bed.

"Meri...?" I asked quietly. I was still somewhat confused, and it took me a few moments to comprehend that not only was she lying on Dahmietra's bed, but she also had the covering pulled over her. That shouldn't have been possible since she was a spirit. Meri looked asleep and had a peaceful expression on her face. I saw her chest rise and fall with slow breaths.

I looked around at everyone, looked at the wall, and looked back at Meri lying there and asked in a whisper, "What did I do?"

My sire, Sky Splitter, came over and put his arm around my shoulders and said, "As near as we've been able to figure my son, you somehow reached across time and distance and pulled Meri here just before she died all of those many turns of the seasons ago from eating something very poisonous. Your mother had quite a battle of her own when she got here, removing the toxin from Meri's body and repairing the damage it did. Starfire and Spirit Feather managed to get Meri's spirit back into her body. And here she is now, resting comfortably in this time. By what Red Moon, Dahmietra and Warri have told me, it seems as if you became like your mother and I."

"It is interesting," Mistress Starfire said, "in that you--of all of our first born in this world--seemed to have been able to tap into your full potential and take that next step to become as we First Ones."

Dahmietra and Warri looked at one another in shock at what Mistress Starfire just said.

Red Moon was no less shocked and thought to herself, "Oh my beloved! What are you becoming? Are you still going to want to be with me now?"

As I stood there in thought, something in my awareness got me to look at Red Moon. I saw the apprehension in her eyes, so I reached out to her and motioned with my fingers for her to take my hand. When she took it, I sent a strong sense of love and belonging to her, letting Red Moon know in my own way that we would always be together. Foxfire apparently sensed the love between Red Moon and I, and she glanced shyly in our direction. I somehow was aware of Foxfire in a way I had never been before, and looked over at her just in time to see her looking at Red Moon and me. When Foxfire saw me notice her looking at us, she lowered her ears and tail and got a look on her face like a shy child standing a little ways from a group other young cublings playing and wanting to join, but couldn't quite work up the nerve to ask. I looked quickly to Red Moon and arched an eyebrow and she smiled gently and nodded her head slightly once. I grinned too, and then held my other hand out to Foxfire as I kept a hold of Red Moon's hand. Foxfire hesitated for a bit, but then she slowly reached out and took a hold of my offered hand. I nodded towards Meri and we three went and sat down next to her, joining Kurietta who was already beside her sister.

I gently put my hand on Kuri's shoulder after I sat down next to her and she leaned back against me for a few moments, putting her hand on mine.

"Warri showed me what he showed you guys about Meri," Kurietta said quietly, sniffling a little.

I gently squeezed Kurietta a little.

"It looks like she's got a few more white hairs," Kuri said looking at her little sister.

"How can you tell that," I said a little playfully.

"I oughtta know my own sis, Misty!" Kurietta said with her quirky little grin. "Only...I never woulda thought she'd ever do anything like that...," she said trailing off and pointing to a bowl with what looked like wet mass of chewed up dark green leaves and something else not very pleasant to look at.

I took a hold of Meri's hand and gently kissed it, sending a feeling of "I'm here" to her. At that moment, Meri groaned softly and stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and she squinted a bit, and then she saw us all gathered around her. Meri rubbed her eyes, blinked a few times, and then with a questioning look, put her hand on Kurietta's face. Meri's eyes widened and she began patting her sister on her face, shoulder, and arm.

"Wha...? I can feel ya! Where am I? I musta had one heck of a weird dream! Misty? Where did ya come from? Who are all of these people...wait, I don't know how I remember...I shouldn't, I think, but oh frazzleberries!"

Fire Weaver came over and leaned down to whisper in Kurietta's ear, "Take it slowly, just as when you came back to us."

Kurietta nodded her head and then said to Meri, "Take it easy, ya little fur ball...we'll get it all straight with ya eventually. Right now we're in Misty's home--he brought ya here and his ma fixed ya up."

Meri looked rather confused, but she was so happy to see Kurietta again she sat up and gave her older sister a fierce hug.

"Mist Runner, we are going to sit out front...you should get something to eat; join us when you're finished," my dam said as she stroked the fur on my head.

I nodded my head and we smiled at one another, and then she and my sire and Mistress Starfire left the room to go sit outside in the front area.

"Foxfire, do you want to eat with us?" I asked.

"Oh, um, could I run home for a bit? I can let Grimmie know that you two are awake and then I can bring something to add to what you have," she suggested.

"Okay, we'll see you in a little bit, dear," Red Moon said.

"Who was that, Kuri? I've never seen anyone so...," Meri started to ask, but Kuri added, "...So totally gorgeous?" Meri nodded her head.

"That's the Grimmster's little sis, Foxfire," she said with a smile.

"Wait...he's got a sister?" Meri asked with a confused look on her face.

"Ya, don'tcha remember?" Kuri asked.

"Ooo...I feel like somebody's been squishin' my berries," Meri said rubbing her eyes again.

"Yah, well, it's just gonna take a little time to get things all straight, hon," Kuri said with a grin.

Meri looked towards the door again and then she leaned back, propping herself up on the bed on one elbow and looked down at the furs. She half-heartedly ran her finger across the fur, tracing out random designs that came to her mind as she thought.

"Whatcha thinkin', Meri?" Kurietta asked her sister, cocking her head a little to one side as she watched. Meri glanced at the bowl and its contents, and sighed slowly and deeply.

"I...guess...I messed even that up," Meri said with sadness in her voice.

"Oh hon, no...don'tcha even go there, girl! Misty pulled ya back and his ma and them all worked hard to save ya. They didn't give up on ya, and neither am I!" Kurietta said as she gave her sister a hug.

"But Kuri...I watched ya drown! I cried every night for ya...knowin' that I'd never see ya again. Somethin' changed in me and I...I wasn't the same again...," Meri said, starting to sniffle.

"I know, Warri showed me, all about it, up here," Kurietta said pointing to her head with her finger.

"Ya know how long we were gone?" Kurietta asked.

"I dunno...I'm kinda confused on all that," Meri said, shrugging her shoulders.

"That night...during the flood...I did die...sortta. It's kinda weird how it happened. Grimmster's ma knew it was gonna happen, so she put some sortta spell on him and me that tied us together in some weird way. Anyway, somehow, it made me go body and all into the spirit world and I was in a special sleep all that time until Misty and the Grimmster stumbled onto what's left of our village. Then I got woke up and Foxie pulled me back somehow, finishin' what her ma started a long time ago. Meri, we were gone over ten thousand turns of the seasons...and I've only been back among the livin' again for a bit over a moon now," Kurietta tried to explain. "Dahmi, that's the girl Misty and Red Moon are adopting, told me about you surprisin' Misty last night and everything. Ya never gave him a chance way back when--he's a really good guy, ya know? He and the Grimmster are a whole lot older than they look, and they've been through a lot--I can't imagine it all. One thing ya gotta know about Misty is that he's a really good friend and he's always there. He's pretty good at explainin' things, too, if ya ask him. Oh and that whole business with him, Red Moon and Foxie...Foxie's Red Moon's best friend, even though she's a whole lot younger than Red Moon is. It just stomps my berries tryin' to keep track of how old they all are! Warri's just a kid and he's thirty turns of the seasons old!" she continued. Meri's jaw dropped when Kurietta told her how old Warri is. "Oh yeah...Red Moon is kinda quick to get riled up about certain things, so ya gotta watch it with her. Don't be getting' all frisky with Misty and don't try hurtin' Dahmi...that lady will be on ya like a Pumatii female havin' a bad fur day, I'm tellin' ya! But other than that, she's a pretty nice ol' gal and she'll go outta her way to help ya with somethin'. Foxie's a sweet gal, too, and she'll talk with ya about anything that's botherin' ya," Kurietta explained.

Meri was quiet for a while and then she asked, "Have ya seen anything of ma and da since...?" Kuri shook her head.

"Nope, but I imagine they'll pop up around here before long," Kuri replied.

"Kuri...what if I mess up again? What if I...," Meri started to say.

"Now, don'tcha go thinkin' like that, Meri!" Kurietta quickly cut her off. "Ya got family here, and I'm sure you'll be makin' friends, too! There's gonna be a big party tonight because Misty and Red Moon are havin' some sortta bondin' thing--it's a lot more than a simple joining. If ya play nice, maybe I can talk him into dancin' with ya at least once," Kurietta said giving her sister a wink. "Ya feel like gettin' up and having somethin' better in your innards than that nasty ol' stuff?" Kurietta asked pointing at the bowl.

Meri rubbed her belly and said, "Think they might have somethin' sweet?" Meri managed a little hopeful grin.

Kurietta got a big grin on her face as she held her hand out to Meri and said, "Let's go see!"

By the time Kuri and Meri came out and joined us, Foxfire had returned with Grimm, Red Moon and Dahmi were fixing something for first meal, and Warri had been to the spring to refill the buckets. Meri came over to me and, laying her head on my shoulder, gave me a hug.

"Thanks for bustin' yer tail to bring me back, Misty," Meri said quietly, "ya shoulda just let me go."

Tears started to well up in Meri's eyes and she sniffled; I turned so that I could put my arms around her and hug her in return. Red Moon handed the large spoon she was stirring with to Dahmietra and came over to give Meri a hug, too.

"Mist Runner doesn't give up on people he cares about, Meri," Red Moon said as she wiped away Meri's tears.

Meri looked up at Red Moon with her ears and tail in a submissive position and such a sorrowful look in her eyes that it nearly broke Red Moon's heart.

Red Moon hugged Meri closely and held her for a while, rocking a little as she did so, and said quietly, "You'll be okay, dear...we're not going to let you go down that path again."

Meri felt ashamed of what she had tried to do the night before when she was just a spirit. Even though she is now alive once more, she was having a bit of difficulty understanding how everyone could seem to care about her so, let alone trying to understand how she ended up being pulled forward in time.

When Meri was younger, she seemed carefree and was quite a flirt and a tease--but underneath that mask, she was shy and uncertain, and she envied her older sister's stronger will and bolder personality. While Kurietta was decisive and determined, Meri had difficulty in making up her mind and she would often end up missing out. Meri kicked herself for a long time over not going with her sister when she left with Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner when they were on their wandering. During the daytime, she seemed restless and bored with things, though at night she would fantasize about the adventures Kurietta was having...and hoping that she was okay. As the time Kurietta was gone lengthened into several turns of the seasons, her family began to worry if they would ever see her again. They had all but given up hope of seeing Kurietta when she returned to the village with Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner. They had not been back long before the storms hit. Then one night a huge flash flood hit and wiped out most of the village, sweeping many away to their deaths in the dark, raging, cold waters (they didn't know at the time that an ice dam in a receding glacier had broken, suddenly releasing a huge lake of ice cold water). Grimm Tooth, Mist Runner and Kurietta helped many people get to higher ground, including Meri and her parents. Meri watched in horror from her vantage point as a submerged chunk of ice struck both Grimm and Kurietta just as he was about to grab her hand after she lost her footing in the current. They searched for days afterwards, finding a few survivors in trees, and the bodies of many who didn't survive. But despite all of their efforts, no sign was ever found of Kurietta. When one evening they heard in the distance the sound of two voices howling mournfully all night, Meri and her parents and their friends all knew there would be no hope of finding Kurietta alive. When Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner came back alone and empty handed with the look of much sorrow in their eyes, the survivors held a memorial service for all those who had perished in "The Night of Tears", which included Kurietta. Meri was never quite the same after that--she became depressed, and over time, grew more despondent. Meri's friends tried to get her interested in several eligible males, and for a time she did try to make things work, but she ended up going from one failed relationship to another. Eventually she became so depressed that she contemplated--and then carried out--the unthinkable. The poison wasn't the quickest and it certainly wasn't the least painful, but the result was predictably and inevitably lethal. Her parents were heartbroken when they found her--they had lost the only two kits they ever had. Elmric and Elretta spent their remaining life wondering why they had to lose that which is the most precious to any parents--their children.

The eight of us ate our first meal of the day together engaged in small talk and telling Meri all about the upcoming celebrations. Even though no one said anything about it yet, we knew that we would have to find a place for Meri to stay and something for her to do, though that could wait a couple of days. When we had all finished and cleaned up from the meal, we joined my parents and the other First Ones out front.

After introducing Meri to Mistress Starfire and Night Blaze (Night Blaze having arrived while we were eating), and to Master Spirit Feather, Red Moon brought some tea out for all.

"Do you feel up to telling us what happened, dear?" my dam asked, which caused everyone to be quiet and look my way.

"I think so," I replied. I gave Meri an apologetic look and said, "I'm going to have to tell them about when you showed up last night."

Meri pulled her knees up to her chin, wrapped her arms around her legs and looking down at the ground nodded her head. Foxfire, who was sitting next to Meri, scooted closer and put her arm around her shoulders. I told about when Meri appeared and the course of events following it up to when I got up to try and keep her from fading away. I stopped for a bit to collect my thoughts and feelings about what came next. I related the desperation I felt when Meri's spirit form was rapidly becoming increasingly insubstantial to my touch and how I did whatever I could think of to try and keep her from slipping away, fearing that she would be completely lost to us all and especially to Kurietta. I had thought then only to keep her with us as she was, not having any idea about trying to pull her here physically. But the more I poured all of my strength and all of my abilities into keeping a grasp on her, I knew that it wouldn't be enough...unless I could be more than I was. I mentioned about the "dream" I had as a cubling and how it gave me inspiration to try something I had never thought of before--to try and become as my parents by bending all of my will to make that leap. I told about singing the Song of Calling, how I felt the huge surge of power and how my spirit soared, and then pulling with all that I had. The last thing that I remembered was being struck from behind and everything going dark.

"That was probably when you fell backwards and hit the floor--you hit it pretty hard with Meri landing on top of you," Red Moon said when I finished.

"Mist Runner...there is a difference in your form now that you did not have before, one that would normally come eventually with time as it will with all of our kind born on this world. Perhaps because you are among the eldest of the First Born, you are already much closer to us and therefore was able to force it. We believe that your desire to save Meri was so strong that it gave you the extra motivation needed to accomplish it," Mistress Starfire said, much to the surprise of the rest of us.

"Your awareness is already beginning to change, my son," my dam said as she took hold of my hand, "you are...becoming."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"Your physical form has changed, because you forced it to change in order to be like us, so that you would have the ability to reach across time and distance save Meri. You may have thought that you were simply trying to reach into the spirit world so that you could hold her and keep her from leaving, but by combining all of your abilities and power, in actuality you did much more than that. Not only have you brought Meri's body forward to her present spirit at the same juncture of place and time, you have, in effect, elevated your being to our level in order to do so," my sire said.

"You mean he's like you First Ones now?" Dahmietra asked in wide-eyed wonder.

"The change is there, Dahmietra...he's not quite yet like us, but he will be soon," Fire Weaver said.

"Is this going to have an effect on our bonding?" Red Moon asked, hoping that it wouldn't.

"If anything, I think it might make it easier since we can direct more of our efforts to you, dear," Mistress Starfire said with a grin.

"What about the Grimmster? He's as old as Misty is, can't he do this change thing, too?" Kurietta asked.

The First Ones all looked at one another for a moment, seemingly communicating in some way the rest didn't understand.

"Maybe he could," I said while having a flash of intuition, "but it might be best if he was well away from anything."

Mistress Starfire studied me using that penetrating look of hers.

"I believe Mist Runner may be onto something, although it could very well prove dangerous to the one helping him, given my son's abilities," she said.

Grimm arched an eyebrow as he looked at me and asked, "Are you sure you wish to do this?"

"We are brothers in all but blood, my friend--where one of us goes, so does the other," I said grinning holding my hand out to him.

Grimm nodded his head once and we clasped arms.

I could sense Red Moon becoming uneasy at all of this, so I took hold of her hand and said quietly to her, "You and I...we're of one heart, and we walk this path side by side and together, in and with love, for always."

Red Moon looked at me and felt the strength of my feelings for her and she threw her arms around me and we kissed--and although we had our eyes closed, everyone else present saw me begin to radiate a light that swirled about us which grew more intense as the passion we felt for one another rose. Everyone got up and backed away, not quite knowing what to expect. Something within Red Moon seemed to trigger the fire stone in the pendant that I had given her and it began to glow with a bright red light that mixed with and joined with the light emanating from me. Foxfire swooned from what she was sensing from us and Grimm had to steady her. Red Moon and I pulled our heads back and lifted our faces upwards in the ecstasy of the moment and howled together in perfect harmony as both of our bodies glowed brightly with light--at first mine was more intense, but soon hers grew to match it. Dahmietra wrapped her arms around Fire Weaver and hugged her tightly, not sure of what she was witnessing. Fire Weaver put her arms around Dahmi and held her as she watched intently what was happening before her. With our eyes only half open, Red Moon and I on some level of consciousness, held out our hands to Foxfire beckoning her to come towards us. In nearly a trance-like state, Foxfire joined us and we put our arms around each other. Foxfire began to glow with a silvery-white light to match our own and it mingled and blended in with it. Soon the three of us were howling in a perfect three-part harmony. The five First Ones all looked at one another in amazement, hardly daring to believe what their eyes and other senses were telling them. Within a few moments, our voices tapered off, we brought our faces down to where our noses were together, and the three of us all kissed at the same time. Then we turned out attention towards Meri--Red Moon and Foxfire each held an arm out towards her, beckoning her to join us. Meri didn't know what to think and hesitated, but Kurietta gave her sister a little shove and then she came towards us slowly. We brought Meri into the center of our little circle and closed our arms around each other again. Meri gasped and then her eyes rolled back as she tilted her head up when our combined energy washed through her body. Like at The Gathering, when Foxfire connected with everyone present, soft, gentle streamers of light reached out from us to touch and wrap around everyone who was with us. First Foxfire started, and then we all joined in singing a Song of Communion--Grimm and Kurietta, Dahmietra and Warri moved towards and put their arms around us as we sang; the five First Ones shifted themselves into their energy forms and took up an equidistant position around us. The other villagers and those who came for the coming festivities all gravitated towards our den and they too, joined in. When the song was finished, the streamers of light faded, and then slowly so did the light around those of us in the center. My parents and Grimm's parents, and Master Spirit Feather, shifted back into their material forms and they gathered closer to us. When Meri opened her eyes again, she had tears running down her cheeks as did Dahmietra, Kurietta, Grimm and Warri (and many of the villagers and guests, too).

"Oh, my son!" was all that Fire Weaver could say as she put her hands on my shoulders and nuzzled my neck, being at a loss for words at what she had just experienced.

"We have not experienced the like for...many long ages," Mistress Starfire said quietly.

Grimm was moved beyond words as he put a hand each on both Foxfire and I, all he could do was shake his head a little and look at us in wonder. Dahmietra had her arms wrapped around Warri and she was crying at the joy and love she felt--she would carry this experience in her heart of being for the rest of her existence. Warri, too, wept with joy for he felt truly free of the stains from the images in his memory from Tah-Noor's mind that still managed to plague his thoughts even after Fire Weaver's healing. And Meri...never again would she feel haunted by her past or suffer a lack of faith in herself, and she knew that she belonged and would never be alone again.

Later that day in the early evening, the whole village gathered to celebrate our bonding ritual. Even though in some ways we had accomplished much the same earlier in the day between Red Moon, Foxfire, and me, we still went through with it. It didn't really take long or much effort; I suppose it was because it was mostly done from before. As soon as it was finished, Red Moon and I announced that we were formally adopting Dahmietra. Both my parents and Red Moon's parents came forward and we began. We had told Dahmi beforehand what was going to happen, and although it seemed like it was going to be a painful experience, I assured her that it would be over quickly and the cut on her hand would be healed swiftly. I began by taking my knife and made a cut in my hand; Red Moon, using her own knife, cut her hand in a similar fashion. I took a hold of Dahmietra's wrist and she closed her eyes and gritted her teeth as I quickly made the shallow cut on her hand. She felt the slight pressure of the blade, but I had blocked any pain that she might have felt using my healing magic. I grasped her hand with mine that I had cut and held it for a moment, and then Red Moon took her turn doing likewise. Next, our parents stepped up and repeated the process. The symbolism was of our blood mixing so that Dahmietra would have a part of each of us in her, and we of her. Red Moon's parents went first, followed by my father and lastly my mother, who healed the wound on Dahmi's hand. Dahmietra told Red Moon and I later that night that she felt something odd tingling in her hand when I and then my parents grasped her hand, which spread quickly up her arm and then all over her body. When my dam and I healed everyone's hands, we each ritually sniffed Dahmietra's neck and embraced her to symbolize our acceptance of her scent. Red Moon and I presented her then to the whole village to the howls of all. After a few moments I held up my hands for silence and when everyone had quieted down I asked all if there were any objections to Dahmietra being a part of village and clan--there was none, so Master Spirit Feather declared Dahmietra a member of our family, village and clan to the boisterous howls of all.

We feasted and partied through most of the night with music provided by not only our own village's musicians, but also the ones that came along with Lordan and his group. As promised, Kurietta and I danced to two songs, one ended up being a slow dance, and although it was a little awkward due to our height difference, we enjoyed it anyway. At the end of the slow dance, Kurietta kissed me for several moments.

"I guess that's the only time I'll get to do that to ya, Misty," she said licking her lips with sly grin.

I grinned back and said, "You know, that's the very first time I ever kissed a Skunatii female."

"Yah? So, whatcha think?" Kurietta asked with a mischievous grin.

I whispered something in her ear that caused her tail to swish quickly from side to side, and then I whispered something else, which caused her to wrap it around her legs and squirm. Kurietta pulled her head back with her eyes and mouth open looking at me in surprise. I grinned at her and nodded my head--then I slowly licked my lips. Kurietta crossed her eyes and her knees got weak, and she gasped quietly and lightly slapped me on the arm.

"Misty!!! Ya bad boy, you! I...ooo...oh, my!" she said fanning herself with her hand. "I need a drink!" she exclaimed when she caught her breath again, so I took her over a table and got her a bowl of an Eastlander drink made from honey.

She chugged the whole thing down before she realized that it was a fermented beverage--and it had a kick to it.

"Whoa! That's...gimmie another one of those!"

I got her a refill and the second one she didn't drink nearly as fast.

"Sweet, homping frazzleberries, Misty! Kurietta exclaimed in a near whisper, "After all this time, now you tell me?"

I held up my hands and shrugged my shoulders a little.

"Do you remember what I said back at The Gathering, when you and I were having that little conversation by ourselves?" I asked gently.

Kurietta furrowed her eyebrows in thought, and after a moment she finally recalled what we had talked about then.

"Yah, I remember...but still, geez, Misty...we coulda had some great times together if...," she said with a wistful look.

"Well, we did have some great times...just not those kind of great times, my dear," I said, gently stroking the side of her face with the back of my fingers. "And even though Grimm and I are basically brothers in all but blood and we share a lot of things, we don't share everything, if you know what I mean," I said quietly, though just loud enough for her to hear me over the sounds of the party and not anyone else.

"Yah, I guess," Kurietta said with a little sigh. "But still...would ya if ya could?" she asked. I grinned and whispered in her ear, "You bet your berries I would!"

Kurietta looked up at me in surprise and then got that quirky grin on her face that I loved so much about her.

She held up her drinking bowl, looked at it, and asked, "What is this stuff, Misty?"

"Oh, it's something the Eastlanders make...they call it mead," I replied.

She downed the last of the contents and held it up to me wanting some more. I got us some refills and offered a toast, "To 'what-if's'."

Kurietta held hers up and added, "And unfulfilled fantasies."

I raised an eyebrow and she leaned closer and said, "I woulda, too!"

We touched our drinking bowls together and took a drink. After a few moments I asked, "You think we ought to get back to Red Moon and Grimm?"

Kurietta looked over in their direction and then up to me.

"Too bad we can't stop time for a while," she said putting her arm around my waist.

"Yeah," I said, "come on, Hot Stuff, before they send hunting parties out after us."

She smiled at me and as we started walking, I slipped my hand down and gave her a little squeeze. Kurietta looked up at me with her quirky grin...and then she did the same to me.

When we made our way over to where our friends were, Red Moon asked playfully, "Are you two enjoying yourselves?"

Kurietta thought to herself, "Oh, if only ya knew what I wanna do...!" but what she said was, "Misty got me some of this stuff...what's it called?"

"Mead," I replied.

"Yah, what he said. Good stuff, too!" Kurietta continued while taking another sip from her drinking bowl.

"How much of that have you had, Kurietta?" Grimm asked, arching an eyebrow.

She started to hold up two fingers but I cleared my throat and she sheepishly held up three.

Grimm looked at me and I said, "I'm only on my second bowl."

Grimm looked back at Kurietta and slowly shook his head and said, "Somebody's going to not want to get up in the morning."

I snickered and said, "Since she slammed down the first one, I would imagine so."

Grimm arched an eyebrow again and looked first to me and then to her, and then shook his head again.

At one point during the party, I did see Bane Flower. I discretely pointed over in her direction and then excused myself to Red Moon who understood. This time, Bane Flower didn't leave when I approached her and called her name.

I held my arms out to her and said, "Thank you for coming."

Bane Flower just stood there acting as if she wasn't sure what to do, so I stepped a bit closer and put my arms around her to give her a hug. Bane Flower fidgeted a bit, but then relaxed and slowly put her arms around me and held me for a while. I kissed her on the cheek and she looked at me in surprise.

"You do still have a friend," I said gently. Bane Flower made it a point to look past me and then back again, and then give me a questioning look.

"She knows," I said with a little grin.

"Mist Runner...about...a while back...I...I'm sorry, I don't know why I get stupid like that," Bane Flower said hesitantly.

"It doesn't hurt to talk to somebody about it if you need to," I suggested.

Bane Flower looked up at me quickly and then lowered her face.

"Maybe...maybe I should," she said quietly.

I could sense the pain and anxiety in her, so I sent a feeling of calm to her.

"You know that my dam would do whatever she could to help you, and Master Spirit Feather would, too...I've had a couple of long chats with him after we came back from that trip we took with Dahmietra, after some things that I had to deal with...along the way," I said.

"No! I can't, not with them! Wha...you...you did?" Bane Flower seemed scared when I suggested she might talk to my mother or to Master Spirit Feather, but then she seemed confused when I mentioned that I had talked to him.

"Yeah...a friend of mine who runs the inn in the village of Cedar Knoll was held hostage by two males who had forced him to watch as they...tortured another person to death. I found the body and saw what they did...it was horrible! But, we managed to catch those responsible and turn them over to the village guards. And then later, we had to fight a Dark Blood who wanted to take Dahmietra, and after that we found out what they wanted to do with her--it was something truly hideous. Warri was the one who discovered it and he showed the rest of us," I said as I briefly related what happened.

Bane Flower knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't just make up something like that. She reached up and lightly touched the side of my face and got a worried look in her eyes. Deep down inside somewhere, she still cared about me.

"Did it help...talking about it?" she asked.

I looked Bane Flower straight into her eyes and nodded my head. She moved up against me, putting her hands on my chest, and rested her head on my shoulder for a few moments. I put my arms around her and held her.

"Maybe...I don't know...maybe I should talk to someone...," Bane Flower said as she started to sniffle a little.

"You can always talk to me...but, if you want to talk to somebody else, Foxfire is a pretty good listener," I suggested.

Bane Flower looked up at me questioningly and asked, "Foxfire?" I nodded my head.

"If you do decide to speak with her, don't be surprised to turn around and see her standing not far away like she's waiting for you. Foxfire...she just seems to know," I said with a little grin.

And speaking of "just knowing", something got me to look in a particular direction and...I saw Foxfire standing a ways away, looking at me with a gentle smile. She winked and gave me a little wave.

"I don't know how she does that!" I thought to myself, but then I wondered how I knew she was there looking at me--maybe what my dam had said was true, that my own awareness was changing.

Bane Flower looked down for a little bit and then her expression brightened a little. Reaching into her belt pouch, she pulled something out and handed it to me.

"I made a little something for you...maybe...maybe you might think of me, once in a while...you know, back when...," she said shyly.

It was a small square of some kind of coarse woolen cloth with some colored wooden beads around the edge. It seemed to have a familiar scent to it, so I held it close to my nose and smelled it.

"I used some of my winter fur to make that, and the beads are for the time we were together," Bane Flower explained.

The familiar scent I smelled was hers, and I figured out the color sequence of the beads: they were ones some used to keep track of the number of paces while traveling--these counted the turns of the seasons we were together long ago.

I held it to my chest for a moment and said with all sincerity, "I will treasure this always, my 'little flower'."

I used to call her that, then, and I smiled tenderly when I said it now.

Bane Flower looked surprised when she heard me say it, and then she dropped her ears and said in a near whisper, "You remembered!"

I held her gift up and said with a grin, "How can I forget?"

A single tear rolled down her face as she smiled and I gently wiped it away.

"Why don't you come join us for a while?" I asked.

Bane Flower looked around me for a moment and then looked down at the ground.

When she looked back up at me she said, "I've taken too much of your time already, besides...you deserve better."

I smiled gently and replied, "What I deserve...is to know that someone I still care about is going to be okay."

Bane Flower's lip quivered a little and she nodded her head a little, and then she turned and walked away quickly. I stood there watching her and after she had gone about twenty paces or so, she slowed to a stop and then hesitantly turned around to look back. When she saw me still standing there looking at her, she dropped her ears and tail as far down as she could and gave me a little wave before looking down and away, and then headed off towards the direction of her den. After she had gone, I smelled the cloth again before rolling it up and putting it into my pouch. A few days later, I made a small frame for it and placed it on the mantle of the fireplace in the center between the two oil lamps that were kept there.

Red Moon and I slept in the next day and didn't get up until late in the morning. Dahmi and Warri made first meal for us, but then they surprised us by bringing it back and served us while we were still in bed. It was a pleasant and unexpected surprise--we had no idea what Dahmi was giggling about in the front room until they walked in carrying the food and tea on a tray, complete with a flower on it.

Warri saw the surprised look on our faces and said with a grin, "It was Dahmi's idea."

Once we finally got up and moving for the day, we started to make ready for the next round of celebrations--this time it would be for Grimm's and Kurietta's long overdue joining. While Red Moon, Dahmi, and Warri worked on making the food we would be bringing, I went to Grimm's with a couple of packages that I wanted to give them early.

Grimm greeted me when I arrived.

"Sleep late, did we?" he asked with a sly grin.

I grinned back and replied, "Ha, if it wasn't for Dahmi and Warri coming in and serving us first meal while Red Moon and I were still in bed, we might still be in it now."

Grimm chuckled and rolled his eyes, "I wouldn't doubt it, the way you two are."

"I came by to give you and Kuri a little something early," I said holding out a little the two packages I was carrying.

"She's still in the back...you can go on in, Foxfire's cooking something--I think," Grimm said waving his hand towards the door.

"I heard that, Grimmie!" we heard Foxfire call out through the open door.

Grimm and I laughed a little and I said, "Back to her usual self, I see."

"I heard that, too, Mist Runner, you scamp!" she replied cheerfully.

Grimm continued working on his project while I went on inside. I walked around the table to where Foxfire was working on making something on the work counter, and coming up behind her, I nuzzled her neck and put my free arm around her waist.

"Mist Runner!" she said in a shocked whisper, though she had a sly grin on her face.

"Looks interesting...," I said resting my head on her shoulder and looking down to see what she was doing.

"Oh, I'm just making something for midday meal," she said cheerfully.

Keeping my head where it was, I looked up at her with my eyes and said, "That, too."

There was a pause while it sank in what I said.

"Oh! You are being bad!" she whispered, though she swished her tail a few times.

"I seem to get told that a lot lately for some reason," I said, and as I lifted my head from her shoulder, I lightly ran my nose up behind her right ear while slowly drawing in a deep breath.

Foxfire gasped quietly, gave a little shiver, and said, "I'm not going to get anything done if you keep doing that!"

"I guess I'll just have to hold that thought a wee bit longer," I whispered in her ear.

"Ooo...go play with Kuri for a while!" Foxfire said in exasperation.

I raised an eyebrow at her particular choice of words and an interesting image came to mind, but then I quickly shook my head to clear that thought away.

I asked with a smirk, "You really want me to get into trouble, don't you?"

Foxfire looked at me blankly for a moment and then it sunk in what she had said.

"Oops!" she said holding her hand over her mouth and looking rather embarrassed.

I playfully stuck the tip of my tongue out at her and then went on back to see what Kurietta was doing.

I knocked on the doorway to her and Grimm's sleeping area and said loud enough for Foxfire to hear me with a sly grin, "Hey, Foxfire told me to come back and play with you for a while."

"I heard that!" Foxfire said in mild exasperation.

Just as I put my head into the room, Kurietta turned around so that she was fully facing me...only she wasn't dressed yet. We stood there looking at one another without saying a word, though the expressions on our faces said volumes.

"Um...I...ah...got something for you...," I said when I could speak.

"Yah...uh...oh, my...uh...let me put...," she said lifting her hand up to show me her clothing, only it wasn't in her hand anymore.

"Um, I think you dropped something...," I said pointing at the floor slightly behind her.

Kurietta turned her head and looked down, and then looked at her hand.

"Ah...oops! Just a sec, Misty...," she said with an embarrassed grin, and then she turned around and bent over to pick up her outfit from off the floor.

When she did, she flicked her tail up (whether out of habit or for other reasons, I don't know) and...I felt like it was suddenly getting really hot inside Grimm's den. As soon as she grabbed her clothing, she looked around behind her and saw the look on my face. A little shy grin came on her face and she wiggled a little bit from side-to-side.

"Oh, please don't do that!" I thought to myself as I quickly looked away and put my hand in my mouth to keep from saying anything.

Kurietta stood up, slipped into her skimpy one-piece outfit, turned around, and walked towards me.

When she got to the doorway, she asked in a playfully seductive whisper, "Wanna tie me?"

Even though Kurietta was fully capable of tying the front of her outfit together herself, I handed the two packages to her to hold and I carefully tied the thongs that held the front together. Kurietta watched as I tied the knot and then looked up at me and smiled her quirky little smile. I could tell that Kurietta probably would have kissed me right then and there, but I held a finger to her lips and shook my head. I nodded towards the front, trying to remind her that Foxfire was just around the corner.

I took the packages back from Kurietta and said, "Oh, by the way, this one's for you. I thought maybe you might like it, and it would complement your...ah...outfit. I wanted to give these things to you guys before everything gets going later."

"Geez, Misty, that's mighty nice of ya!" Kurietta opened her package and carefully pulled out its contents.

I had given her one of those fine shawls that happened to be predominately shades of blue and violet with black. When she opened it up completely and held it so that she could get a good look at it, her jaw dropped open, and she starred at it.

"Oh, my...this is just...where did you ever find something like this?" she asked in awe.

"Oh, something I picked up in a village near the northern mountains on my last trading trip," I said with a smile.

"It's so...light...and it's beautiful! Oh, Misty, I love it! Thank ya so much, ya ol' softie!" Kurietta said excitedly.

That time she did kiss me, and while it was somewhat quick, it certainly wasn't a little peck on the cheek, either. Kurietta put the shawl around her shoulders and then for a moment, ran her fingers through the fur on my chest before grabbing my hand and heading towards the front.

"Hey, Foxie...look what Misty gave me!" she said as she entered the front room with me in tow.

"Huh? Oh, wow, that's gorgeous! And it looks great with your outfit, too, Kuri!" Foxfire said with excited approval.

Grimm came inside and when he saw what Kurietta was wearing, his jaw dropped. Kurietta turned around so that he could see it all, and then she proceeded to do a few dance moves while holding the ends of the shawl.

"Isn't it great, Grimmster?" Kurietta asked excitedly.

Grimm walked up to her and looked closer at it, gently feeling it with his large fingers. He looked up at me and asked, "Did you get this where I think you did?"

I smiled and nodded my head.

"The village up by the mountains," I said.

"That's what I thought. These are expensive and highly sought after," Grimm said, arching an eyebrow.

"I figured after seeing her new outfit, that this one would probably go well with it, especially for special occasions...like tonight," I said with a smile.

Grimm nodded his head and said, "Indeed so. Take very good care of it, Kurietta. Shawls like this one are difficult to come by and they fetch a high price."

"Really?" Kurietta asked looking at her gift with more care.

"A small one might start at fifty or more in silver, easily; one this size, two to three times that," Grimm said.

Kurietta's jaw dropped and her eyes looked like they were about to pop out. "Oh, frazzleberries! Nobody ever gave me anything like this before!" she said, looking first at Grimm and then at me.

"Well, it's not every day you get joined, either. Besides, since you two waited such an awfully long time, I figured you deserved something extra special. Oh, and Grimm...he's a little something for you," I said with a grin as I handed his package to him.

Grimm noted the weight of it and arched an eyebrow.

"Come on, Grimmie; open it so we can see!" Foxfire said with growing curiosity.

He carefully undid the wrapping and found inside an open, sleeveless robe that was split up the sides and the back, similar in appearance to the one his dam wears. His was a blue heavyweight cloth that matched Kurietta's garment in color, trimmed in a modest amount of white fur, and bore the symbols of both his clan and his position as Alpha Defender on the front. On the back was his personal sigil.

"Take a look on the inside of the left front," I suggested.

Grimm pulled the front left edge back and revealed a leather-lined pocket that had embroidered on it the silhouette of one of our people and a Skunatii female embracing in front of a full moon. Grimm lightly ran his fingers across the image and looked up at me totally speechless.

"Oh, my...Grimmster, that's beautiful! Put it on, will ya? I gotta see it on ya!" Kurietta said excitedly.

Grimm slipped the robe on and found the fabric belt that came with it.

"You can use that belt, or wear your sword belt over it, depending on the situation," I said as he fastened the belt around his waist.

"I...don't know what to say," Grimm said.

"I had Moon Dancer make it, but Dahmietra and Jansina did the decorations. The inside pocket was Dahmietra's idea," I said.

"Gee, Grimmie, you sure look handsome in that!" Foxfire said with a big grin. "Ya, Grimmster, ya sure do! We oughtta wow 'em tonight, don'tcha think?" Kurietta asked as she put her arms around Grimm and looked up into his eyes.

Grimm hugged Kurietta and smiled a deeply contented smile and then he looked at me and said quietly, "Thank you, my friend...for everything."

I nodded my head, put my hands on the shoulders of both of them, and said, "I'll see you later," looking first at Grimm and then at Kurietta, who got a wry look on her face. "Foxfire, I'll see you later, too, okay?" I said as I reached out towards her with one hand.

Foxfire took my hand, held it for a moment, and said, "Okay, dear, see you at the celebration."

I smiled and gave my friends another quick look and headed out the door.

Kurietta stood there looking at the door for a moment and said, "Ol' Misty's quite the guy, isn't he?"

"He is at that," Grimm agreed.

Grimm took off the robe and carefully folded it and took it on back to put it in his trunk. Kurietta stood there holding part of the shawl to her face and was a little startled when Foxfire came up behind her and put her hands on her shoulders.

Foxfire kissed Kurietta gently on the top of her head and sighed, "I know what you mean."

As I was walking back home, I got to thinking how complicated things seem to have become. Of course, Red Moon and I loved each other very much, and yet we have found it within ourselves to make room for Foxfire. But, there was also the long standing desires that unbeknownst to each other until recently, lay between Kurietta and myself. I had no idea that she had secretly thought about me, just as she never knew how I felt about her--and it was certainly something that neither of us had ever shared with Grimm. The things I had told Kurietta about how I felt concerning her and Grimm being together, I sincerely meant every word. Grimm is my best friend, and we have been such ever since we were little cublings. Oh, we've had our disagreements at times--who doesn't? But we've always been able to work things through. We've been there for one another, literally for ages. I know exactly how much Kurietta means to Grimm, even without my empathic skills, and I would rather walk away than ever come between them. I'm sure he thinks the same about Red Moon and me--he would never come between her and me either. And then there's Meri. I probably could have become interested in her when Grimm and I first met Kurietta and her family--though it's a bit different for an immortal that has existed for hundreds of millions of turns of the seasons, than it is for one of those whose time in this life is so, so short. After ten thousand turns of the seasons since she was lost to us, Kurietta, and Meri, too, have come back into our lives. In perhaps another sixty or seventy turns of the seasons--unless we can find some way to either lengthen their lives or bestow immortality on them--they will pass from our existence once again, and we will spend the rest of eternity feeling the absence. Oh, The Great Circle will bring their spirits around again, but the uniqueness of their current life will be lost to all but our memories. I don't know how Meri is going to fit into all of this, though, and I still do not quite understand how I was able to bring her body forward through time. That wasn't what I--at least consciously--intended on doing. I had no idea what had become of her in the past, and especially didn't know how she had died. I wasn't trying to "save" anyone the other night; I just didn't want her to leave--not like that, anyway. Maybe it did have something to do with my intuition; maybe on some level I sensed something else more important. All that can be done now is to watch it play out and deal with it as it does.

When I got home, I said my greetings to everyone, and then headed straight back to my trunk to look for something--stopping only long enough to give Red Moon a hug and a kiss behind her ear. I opened my trunk and started digging down to the bottom, looking for a particular little leather bag that I had buried in there a very long time ago. Red Moon was curious as to what I was doing, so she put down what she was working on and came back to see.

She grabbed my tail, gave it a little tug, and asked, "What are you looking for, dear?"

Since my trunk is rather large and a bit tall, I had a lot of things in it, even though they were things that I deemed absolutely necessary to keep. It's amazing how much you can accumulate over time if you're an immortal. I had my head down into it as I dug my hands through the collected keepsakes and immediately useful things, like clothing.

"Oh, something I had made a long time ago," I said in a slightly muffled voice.

"How long ago is 'a long time ago'?" Red Moon asked while giving my tail another playful tug.

"Oh...is that it? Nope. Maybe this? Nope. About ten...ah, come here...you! Gotcha! Ow...what was that? Oh, get back in there, you little...pant! Geez it's hard to breathe in here! Agh! Let go of my armband! No, I don't want you, now STAY PUT! Thousand...you, back over there where I had you! Turns...yeow! That was my fur! Now I'll have to grow that back! Of the...pant! Seasons...okay, let's see if I can stand up now... (Bump!) Argh! Ago," I said panting and trying to catch my breath after being bent over like that.

Red Moon was watching with a rather amused look on her face the whole time I was digging around in the bottom of my trunk, trying not to bust out laughing. Although she did wince when I bumped my head on the lid as I stood up.

"Back when Grimm and Kurietta met," I said as I looked at my arm where the fur had been pulled out.

I summoned my healing magic, smoothed the skin, and caused the fur to grow back out rapidly so that it once again matched the rest of my arm.

I opened the little leather bag and looked inside to confirm the contents and then I said out loud, "Yep, that's what I was looking for."

Red Moon looked at me trying to hide a smile with her hand.

"Come on, I'll show this to everyone at once," I said and I took Red Moon by the hand and led her back up front to join Dahmi and Warri.

I sat down and put the bag I had retrieved from my trunk onto the table.

Red Moon sat down next to me and said, "Mist Runner's got something to show us."

Dahmietra and Warri stopped what they were doing and came over to join us at the table. I opened up the little bag and slid the contents out. It was a pendant, but it had two chains attached to it.

"Why does it have two chains?" Dahmietra asked.

"So that two people can wear it," I said with a little grin.

"But dear, two people can't wear the same piece of jewelry at the same time!" Red Moon said.

"Take a closer look at it. See this little jagged groove that goes down the middle of the pendant? The metal is very thin right there," I said.

"So, what does that have to do with anything?" Dahmietra asked.

"Well, you see...this is one pendant, but it is made to break apart along the jagged groove. Each half will then have its own chain. The idea is that this is to be given to two people who are being joined--during their joining, the pendant is broken in two, and each of the couple are given a half to wear. The pendant is only whole again when the two halves are reunited--two become one," I explained.

"What a beautiful idea!" Red Moon exclaimed.

"Now, look closely...look at the symbols on either side of the jagged line," I instructed.

"On one side it's a wolf under the moon...," Warri started.

"...And on the other it's a skunk under the sun," Dahmi finished.

"That's correct, and the whole are surrounded by stars. Now, look at the back," I prodded.

Dahmi turned it over and Warri read the words, translating them into the Common Tongue:

You my sun and

I your moon,

the stars watch

over you and me,

while we're apart

from one another,

and when we meet

we are complete.

"Where did you get this at?" Red Moon asked.

"I had that made for Grimm and Kuri back when we had journeyed into the northern mountains. I guess like Grimm with his little carving, I've kept it all of this time. I was going to give it to them long ago when...," I said choking up momentarily.

Red Moon put her arm around my shoulders and hugged me.

"Sorry, it's still a painful memory," I said after a moment.

"I can only imagine," Red Moon said.

I smiled weakly and briefly at Red Moon, but then I put the pendant back into its little bag and I buried my feelings.

"Anyway, I guess I get to give it to them after all," I said with a grin as I slipped the little bag into my belt pouch.

For the rest of the day I kept myself busy with one thing or another in order to keep my mind from wandering to other thoughts that kept threatening to surface. Seeing Kurietta like that this morning, alone (more or less), just made keeping those other thoughts buried much more difficult. Life in the village just wasn't going to be the same again now that Kurietta was back and living here. Meri eventually turned up and pitched in while I helped to get things set up for her sister's joining. It seemed almost like every time I looked up or turned around, Meri wouldn't be too far away. It's simple enough to be able to keep from confusing the two just by looking at them. Meri is a little shorter and curvier than Kurietta, and Meri had two stripes of white fur on her back and tail, and white fur all the way down her front. Kurietta, on the other hand, has much longer fur on her head, a single broad white stripe down her back and tail, and only the very upper part of her chest has white fur.

One time while stopping for a water and rest break in the afternoon, Meri came over to where I was sitting and said, "Hiya, Misty! Mind if I sit with ya?"

I patted the ground next to me and she got a big grin on her face and sat down.

"Gonna be another big party tonight, ya think?" she asked cheerfully.

"I would imagine so," I said taking another drink of water from my drinking bowl.

Meri was quiet for a little while, but then she asked, "Misty? Are things gonna be...ya know...kinda mixed up for ya, now that we're back?"

I looked over to Meri and asked, "Why do you ask that?"

"Just wonderin'. I saw Kuri kissin' ya after that one dance last night. I think maybe she likes ya a little more than just wantin' to be friends," Meri said.

"Has she said anything to you about it?" I asked trying to sound just curious, but actually wanting to find out how much she might know.

"Nah, she hasn't come out and said anything; I've just notice how she acts when she's around ya, or if ya get talked about. I know she loves the Grimmster and all, but...I kinda wonder if maybe she might have a little somethin' simmerin' under the ol' pot lid for ya, if ya know what I mean. Maybe it's just a sister thing, I dunno," Meri said with a little friendly smile.

"Ah, if only you knew, Meri!" I thought to myself. "Well, there's no sense in entertaining that particular thought, Meri--Kurietta's made her choice, just as I have made mine; what's done is done," I said.

"But if ya had the chance, would ya go for her?" Meri asked.

"You should have asked me that ten thousand turns of the seasons ago, Meri," I replied with a tiny sigh.

"Did ya back then?" she asked.

I looked at Meri and explained, "Back when Grimm and I first saw your sister, she was performing a dance during a celebration of some sort. Grimm and I both watched from the back of the crowd and we both liked the performance--we also thought that she was rather attractive, too. Apparently she had seen us watching--probably wasn't too hard to miss us--so when she had finished, she came over and introduced herself to us. Well, as you know, one thing led to another and Kurietta ended up coming with us. Early on, she seemed more interested in Grimm than in me, so I backed off and didn't pursue things with her. I never begrudged Grimm for being the one she chose to be interested more in, and I was happy for them both--and I still am. Kurietta is a very dear friend and I love her as that, and there is nothing that will ever get me to come between her and Grimm--I will walk away from both, never to return, before I would do anything to jeopardize the friendship that we have."

Meri looked at me in wonder.

"Ya really mean that, Misty?" she asked.

"You have my word on it," I said quietly but firmly.

Meri looked down at the ground, picked at it a bit, and was quiet for a while.

"I wish I coulda been more like Kuri...," Meri said almost at a whisper, still picking at the ground.

"Why do you say that, Meri?" I asked quietly.

"Maybe...maybe things mightta turned out better, I dunno."

Meri pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her tail around, holding the end of it up to her face and letting out a deep sigh.

I reached over and gently rubbed my hand across her back and said with a smile, "You've got another chance, Meri...just see where it takes you and enjoy it while you can. And this time, you have friends who won't give up on you."

Meri looked up at me with a bit of surprise, and then she put her hand on my arm and rested her head on it.

Early in the evening, the crowd began to gather for the ceremony, bringing foodstuffs, and gifts. The musicians began setting up though Shilar had the honor of playing his flute during the actual ceremony. The spirits of Kuri and Meri's parents made their appearance, which caused a bit of a surprise among those attending, but they were warmly welcomed. Red Moon and Dahmietra went to Grimm's den and helped Meri and Foxfire get Kurietta ready for the ceremony, and Grimm came over to our den so that Warri, Lordan, and I could get him ready. Normally for our own people it wouldn't have required so much fuss and preparation, but since we were blending traditions of both our own people and that of the Skunatii, it was a bit more involved. The first thing Grimm and Kurietta had to do was to bathe (separately, of course) using a traditional herbal mixture and specially scented candles burning placed around the pool. After they had been thoroughly dried and brushed, they put on clean garments made just for the occasion and then went to separate places to make the finale preparations. When we had him ready, Lordan, Warri, and I walked with Grimm to where the ceremony was to be held. Grimm wore the robe I had made for him and hanging on the belt was a ceremonial dagger that symbolized his willingness to fight to protect Kurietta, and around his neck, he wore a garland of wild flowers. Grimm's sire, Night Blaze, and I stood with him slightly off to the side in front of everyone. At a prearranged signal, Shilar began playing his flute as Kurietta and her party was approaching. With Meri and Dahmietra in front, and Red Moon and Foxfire behind, Kurietta walked in the center of the square the other four formed. There were quiet oh's and ah's as Kurietta and her party arrived. Kurietta had little flowers woven into the long hair on her head, a short wrap around skirt that was tied on one side that exposed most of her right leg and hip, a short top with a deep plunging neckline that was longer in back than in front, and the shawl that I had given her. Kurietta also had a small bouquet of flowers in her hand, and she, too, bore a ceremonial dagger on her right side for the same reason--to symbolize her willingness to fight for her mate.

Mistress Starfire came to the center in front of everyone wearing her robes that marked her as a priestess-shaman of The Great Mother, and motioned for Grimm and Kurietta to come before her. I stood to the left of Grimm and slightly behind him and Meri stood to the right and slightly behind Kurietta. Mistress Starfire raised her hands and partially shifted her form so that she glowed fairly brightly with swirling energy, and all in attendance went down on one knee and bowed their heads.

Starfire spoke: "The Great Circle has turned, and with the help of The Great Mother, Grimm Tooth and Kurietta are now finally able to come before all so that we may know of the love these two bring into this world and into each other's heart of being."

There was a moment of silence and then everyone lifted their heads; Grimm and Kurietta stood and faced each other and held hands.

Grimm spoke next: "Kurietta, before all I want you to know that you have brought a light and warmth into my long existence the likes of which I have never felt before, and may never again. For many long turns of the seasons I waited, hoped, and kept the love I feel for you in my heart of being. Every night while we were apart, in the dark I wept a single tear--one that held both the joy that being with you brings, and the sorrow of losing you; one tear for my only love. And now, finally, after all of the empty times, my hopes and dreams have been answered, and you have been returned so that we might walk together a while longer. Will you, Kurietta, walk with me a while longer and accept me as your mate?"

Kurietta (or indeed any of us) had never known until now that Grimm had shed a tear for her each and every night since she had died in the flood.

Kurietta's own eyes started to mist up and she replied with a happy sniffle, "Yah!"

Next came Kurietta's turn to speak: "Grimmster, hon, before everyone I want ya to know that all of those turns of the seasons ago I tried my hardest to get back to ya, but...well...I got taken away from ya and...that was...pretty hard for ya and me and everyone who cared about us to deal with. Thankfully someone was watchin' out for us and made it so that we could be here now, and I'm mighty grateful for havin' another chance. Ya waited all this time for me and...that means a lot, and I love ya all the more because I know ya will always be there for me. I...don't know how long we'll get to walk down the ol' berry path together, but if ya will accept me as your mate, we can keep walkin' until we get to the Big Berry Bush at The End. So, will ya, my big loveable Grimmster, take me as your mate and we can see where this ol' path goes?"

"Kurietta, I do accept you as my mate, and we will walk until you cannot walk any further, and then I will carry you the rest of the way," Grimm said with a smile and a tear of joy running down his cheek.

When they finished speaking their vows, Grimm and Kurietta locked eyes with one another and then circled around each other once; when they stopped where they had started from, Grimm leaned down so that they could sniff each other's necks and rub noses.

Mistress Starfire then asked, "Do you have some token to give one another as a symbol of your love?"

I held up the small bag with the special pendant and said, "I have been keeping it for them."

Both Grimm and Kurietta gave me a questioning look, not knowing just what it was that I had for them. I opened the little bag, emptied its contents into my hand, and then slipped the little bag back into my belt pouch. I stepped around so that I could give them the pendant.

"I've kept this for over ten thousand turns of the seasons--I had it made when we three were wandering in the northern mountains, and I had intended to give this to the both of you in Kurietta's village. Unfortunately, you were lost to us for a time, but...I hung onto it. Maybe, somehow, my intuition told me to keep it. Well, after all of this time, it fills me with joy to finally be able to give this to you both," I explained. I held it out so that they both could see it. "This is a very special pendant--as you can see, it has two necklaces, but it's only one pendant. It's made to be broken into two separate pieces so that each of you can wear one half of it." I described the symbols on the one side and then read the words aloud on the other. I took Kuri's hand and got her to hold one side of the pendant and then I did the same with Grimm. "Go ahead and snap it apart," I said and they looked at me and then at each other and applied pressure to the side they were holding. It snapped easily into two pieces right along the jagged line. "Grimm, give Kuri the one with the wolf, and Kuri, give Grimm the one with the skunk." When they had exchanged the proper halves, I helped each of them put their half on around their neck, and then I said, "As long as you two may be separated from one another, you'll always carry the other with you; and only when you are together will the pendant be whole once more." I reached out and took a hold of each of the halves of the pendant they wore and tugged lightly so that they would lean forward--and I touched the two halves together. "Your two halves have been apart for far too long...now, be one together," I said with a smile as I put my hands on each of their shoulders and then stepped aside.

Grimm looked at his half of the pendant for a moment, holding it in his fingers, and then he looked at Kurietta who was doing the same. Mistress Starfire looked at me for a moment, cocking her head to one side just a bit, and then she got that knowing look on her face and smiled a little. Grimm finally remembered his little carving and reached into the inside chest pocket of his robe and pulled it out, giving it to Kurietta.

"I guess I can properly give you this now," he said quietly.

Kurietta took it and kissed it, and slipped it into the little pouch she wore. Smiling, she thanked him and then they both turned to face Mistress Starfire again.

"Grimm Tooth and Kurietta, you two share a very special love, one that has been sorely tested by events beyond your control...and yet, it has endured and still flourishes to this day. We all wish you much joy and happiness in the time you have ahead, and tonight, we howl for you!" Mistress Starfire said with a happy look on her face.

Everyone erupted into a joyous howl as Grimm and Kurietta embraced and kissed each other deeply. The spirits of Kurietta's parents came up and each did their best to try to hug their daughter, and then they hugged Grimm. Mistress Starfire and Night Blaze both hugged their son and Kuri, followed by Foxfire and Meri, and then Red Moon and I along with Dahmietra and Warri. The musicians started playing and the rest of those desiring to, formed a line to congratulate Grimm and Kurietta. I stood back from them a little ways and watched for a little bit while Red Moon, Dahmietra, and Warri headed towards the tables to help with the serving. I sensed a strong presence behind me and knew who it was without looking.

I sighed with a little smile and said, "Now I can rest a bit easier knowing that your son is happy again, Mistress."

I felt a hand on my shoulder and could smell her scent.

"Even though you try hard to bury it, your heart of being still gives you away...to those who know how to look," Mistress Starfire said quietly as she came to stand close and put her arm around my shoulders. "I know your heart of being as well as I know my own son's, my dear. It could just as easily have been you being joined this day to her and not him, if things had gone just a little differently all those moons ago. I know the choice you made then and why, just as I not only know how you feel about Kurietta, but also how she feels about you. I wouldn't be the least surprised that Foxfire does as well; in fact, I'm almost certain that she does," she continued.

"I'd just as soon that he doesn't know," I said quietly, still watching.

"The two of you are indeed brothers in all but blood, Mist Runner; deep down inside, you two are much the same. You know each other's thoughts even without a talent like young Warri's, and you also know each other's heart of being--although you may express it differently, you both share the same feelings for the same things and for the same reasons," Mistress Starfire said.

"I will not come between them, just as he will not come between Red Moon and me," I said quietly.

"I know, my dear. A group of vines do not grow in straight lines, nor do they grow apart from one another," she said cryptically.

I looked at Mistress Starfire, thinking that she was starting to sound like Foxfire, when she smiled and gently ran her other hand along my face and said with a sly grin, "You still have much to learn, my dear."

At that, she walked away, gracefully swaying her hips slightly as she went to join the party. I thought to myself, "Oh, my...not her, too!"

While we feasted, the musicians and other performers that came along with Lordan and his group, kept things lively. I noticed that Kurietta had kept looking at me off and on, though I tried not to pay too much attention to it. I also noticed that Meri was looking at me as well, though I suspected that she might have been looking as much out of her own desires as for keeping an eye on both Kurietta and I to see how much we might be looking at one another. As it was, Red Moon was keeping as much of my attention as she could get away with by rubbing her leg against mine, bumping her shoulder against me or running her hand along my leg under the table. Actually, having Red Moon toying with me was a good distraction since Kurietta sat directly across the table from me. To make things more interesting, Foxfire sat on the other side of me--thankfully, she wasn't an experienced tease like Red Moon, though her scent was nearly driving me nuts for some reason.

After a while, the music shifted to more of a style suitable for dancing.

Warri asked Dahmietra, "Would you like to try a dance?"

"Um, okay, I guess. Kurietta has been teaching me a little, but I don't think it's like what I've seen the others dance so far," Dahmietra replied.

Warri grinned and said, "No problem, I'll show you as we go," as he pointed to his head.

Dahmietra smiled and held her hand out to him and off they went.

When Red Moon saw Warri taking Dahmietra over to where people were dancing at, she grabbed my hand and said with a big grin, "Let's go, dear, and show the youngsters a thing or two."

I spied Night Song dancing with Brown Leaf, Fen, Jex, Shilar, and Smoke Fire all in rather close proximity with one another.

I nodded in their direction and told Red Moon, "Looks like they're having fun."

"Hmm, if Brown Leaf and--is that Shilar?--get any closer to each other they might have to get a room or something," she said a bit surprised.

"Hmm...you may be right," I said arching an eyebrow. "Could be worse--at least Brown Leaf isn't nearly as tall as Night Song," I added with a grin after a moment.

Red Moon and I danced together for a few more songs, and then we went to get something to drink.

Once the dance music started, Kurietta was itching to get up and dance, though she knew better than to try to get Grimm to dance with her. Ever since she had tried to show him how a long time ago, Grimm flat out refused to so much as tap a foot. Red Moon had dragged me over to the dance area before Kurietta got a chance to ask. When we finally stopped to get something to drink, she excused herself from Grimm and started to head over to where Red Moon and I were getting something to drink. Just as we had gotten our drinks, the music started up again, this time they were playing something a bit more risqué now that people had a chance to loosen up a bit. Before Kurietta could make her way over to me, I felt a particular presence approach. Red Moon suddenly looked up in surprise just as I felt a hand on my arm.

"Would you dance with me?" the voice that belonged to the hand asked, nearly causing me to spill my drink.

I turned around and Mistress Starfire was holding her hand out for me to take.

"Um, certainly, Mistress," I said handing my drink to Red Moon with a look of shock on my face.

I saw Sire Night Blaze talking to my own sire and they both stopped and smiled as they saw Mistress Starfire and me stepping into the dance area. To say that it caused a sensation among those gathered would be quite an understatement. I felt very strange dancing with her as it was, and with the risqué song being played, made it even stranger. Still, I went along with it and did my best, not holding back any. At first, there were gasps of surprise from the other people, but then they quickly started dancing to the music. At one point, the others formed a circle around Mistress Starfire and me as we really got into it. Kurietta stood there with her mouth open, not quite believing her own eyes at what she was seeing.

"Great homping frazzleberries! Misty's dancin' with the Grimmster's ma...and, oh my! The ol' gal's got some hot juicy moves!" she thought to herself.

Kurietta looked over at Grimm who was staring in disbelief himself at the sight of his dam dancing to such a song, and with his best friend no less! When the song ended, there were howls and applause, and I bowed to Mistress Starfire and she gave a little curtsy.

As we were walking back towards Red Moon, Mistress Starfire said, "Thank you, Mist Runner that was rather...enjoyable."

"It was an--unexpected--pleasure, Mistress," I said, smiling, but giving a bit of a nervous glance over towards Sire Night Blaze.

"I don't doubt that," she said with a grin. Seeing me glance over towards her mate, she added, "Night Blaze and Grimm Tooth...neither one of them will dance a step if it kills them. It has been a long time since I last danced; I suppose that I still remember how, though."

"You most certainly do, Mistress," I said with a smile.

Apparently, Mistress Starfire had one more surprise in store for me--she cupped my chin in her hand and kissed me on the cheek before heading off to be with her mate.

I retrieved my drink from Red Moon and quickly finished it off and got a refill. She just stood there and looked at me as I downed the second bowl.

When I had finished, I looked at Red Moon and said, "Now, that was definitely something that doesn't happen every day."

"I wonder what prompted her to do that," Red Moon said.

"I have no idea. One thing is for certain, people are going to be talking about it for a while," I said, shaking my head.

"Looks like you might be getting another dance partner," Red Moon said with smirk.

I looked in the direction she was, and saw Kurietta making her way over.

"I'm going to go find something to snack on and then I'll be over with Foxfire. Have fun!" Red Moon said giving me a kiss and a wink.

Red Moon intercepted Kurietta and said something to her, they hugged, and then Red Moon went back towards the food tables.

"Hey, Misty! Geez, I saw Grimmster's ma dancin' with ya...the ol' gal can still move, huh?" Kurietta asked as she finally made her way over to me.

"Yeah, I was a bit surprised to say the least. Oh, and before you ask, I haven't a clue why she wanted to dance with me...and especially to that particular song," I said as I was working on another bowl of mead.

"Is that the same stuff we had last night?" Kurietta asked pointing to the bowl in my hand.

I nodded my head and said, "Yep, same. Want some?"

Kurietta smiled and nodded her head enthusiastically, so I got her one, too. After she took a long drink of it, she closed her eyes for a moment and briefly shivered as the effects of the drink started to hit.

"Ooo, that's so good!"

When Kurietta opened her eyes again, I motioned for her to walk a little bit away from the kegs.

When we weren't quite so near to others I told Kurietta, "Meri was telling me earlier today that she suspects that you might want to be more than 'just friends' with me."

Kurietta said, "Well geez, Misty...I've never said anything to her about it, honest!"

"I know you haven't, and she said as much. Unlike your sister, though, Mistress Starfire told me that she knows, and said that she's pretty certain that Foxfire does, too," I said, much to Kurietta's shock.

Kurietta got a worried look on her face.

"Oh, frazzleberries! A couple of dances last night and half the village thinks we're up to somethin'!" Kurietta exclaimed.

"Oh, it's not that bad, Kuri--Mistress Starfire is a seer, plus she's known me ever since I was born; and when it comes to love, Foxfire happens to be very much tuned to it. As far as Meri is concerned, she's your sister after all, so it's not like she doesn't know you better than most," I explained.

Kuri's expression relaxed, she took another drink from her bowl and then she held the pendant half that she was wearing and looked at it.

Kurietta switched to her language and said, "Misty...I was thinkin', the sun and the moon...they never get to be together, do they? Always dancin' around with the world between them...I think that's us. The Grimmster means the world to me, but...oh, it's just not fair! I...I want both of ya!"

"Kuri...we don't always get what we want, but sometimes, we get what we need, and you and Grimm need each other. Try thinking of it this way, Kuri. I'm just a little berry bush that's pretty well picked over, and Grimm is a big bush in a secret place that only you know about, just full of lots of juicy sweet berries ready for the picking and you have him all to yourself," I tried to explain as best as I could.

Kuri thought for a bit as she finished the contents of her drinking bowl.

When she finished it all, Kuri sighed and said, "Ya know Misty...ya always know how to explain things."

I smiled and felt a bit relieved that maybe it was finally sinking in, but then Kuri looked up at me with a wry grin and said, "But I still want both of ya."

I gave a little smirk and said, "Well, you can always have me as a dance partner."

Kuri gave me a sly grin and asked, "And what kinda dancin' do ya have in mind?"

I jabbed a thumb towards the dance area and said with a grin, "That kind, you sweet little black and white fur ball."

---

[1] Stone talkers--Those among the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a who can shape earth and stone with their minds.

[2] Chelkrat--Wastelander slang word meaning "eater of dung".

[3] Salfarel - the fragrant flowers of a low bush that grows in the northern part of The Great Forest